Tech And Agriculture: Can Technology Be An Ally In Solving Water Scarcity In The United States?

Official reports and recent studies show that in key agricultural regions of the United States, freshwater scarcity has become a problem requiring urgent attention. Could technological innovation be part of the solution?

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) promotes Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) to help countries adapt to climate change. In its 2022 report, “Blending Water Management Approaches and Climate Change Adaptation,” UNEP already warned about the growing problem of water stress worldwide, urging the most affected countries to begin working on potential solutions and improvements in the use of this vital natural resource.

The United States stands out as one of the countries most impacted by this climate challenge. In recent years, areas such as California’s Central Valley have become a clear example of what it means to produce food under a structural water crisis.

“California’s Central Valley is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the world, but also one of the most affected by water challenges,” said Jairo Trad, CEO and co-founder of Kilimo, named one of the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders 2025.

Three Key Facts to Consider

Drought conditions: At the beginning of the 2025 hydrological year (October 1, 2024), about 20% of California was classified as experiencing drought. By April 2025, 44% of the state was reported under drought conditions — with areas categorized as experiencing extreme to exceptional drought. (Source: Drought.gov)

Agricultural use and water stress: In California, agriculture consumes around 40% of the state’s water on average, directly linking food security to pressure on both surface and groundwater resources. (Source: Public Policy Institute of California)

Aquifer depletion: Hydrogeological studies and USGS reports document significant reductions in groundwater storage under prolonged drought scenarios. For example, one study reported declines of 660,000 acre-feet (approx. 0.81 km³) in specific aquifers during 10-year drought periods, highlighting the magnitude of groundwater storage loss. (Source: USGS)

“The combination of these three data points shows a real risk scenario for the availability of manageable freshwater at the regional level: more frequent and intense droughts increase dependency on groundwater, limiting aquifer resilience and causing land subsidence; agricultural demand in critical areas further multiplies competition for limited resources. Without immediate intervention — through policy, investment, and technology adoption -the capacity to supply water in dry years could be severely compromised,” explained Jairo Trad, CEO of Kilimo.

Technology and Collaboration: A Solution to Water Scarcity

Today, 40% of irrigated land in the Central Valley still depends on flood irrigation. This method served its purpose for decades, but it no longer aligns with current challenges. It is inefficient and costly — not only for farmers but for entire communities that rely on that water. “We need to move beyond emergency responses and start building long-term water resilience through innovation,” said Jairo Trad.

In Latin America, entire regions are adopting technologies with a pragmatic approach: adapting to keep growing. The region has become a living laboratory of climate innovation that the world is now watching closely. This shift represents a new standard in sustainable water management, with different targeted interventions that generate measurable and traceable volumetric water benefits.

AI-powered irrigation optimization: Through artificial intelligence and big data, irrigation in agriculture can be optimized, improving water-use efficiency. Farmers can determine when and how much to irrigate by considering crop type, climate conditions, and soil characteristics. This leads to more efficient water use, resource savings, and higher productivity.

Transition to efficient irrigation systems: Farmers are supported in adopting modern pressurized systems that minimize water losses and increase precision.

Regenerative agriculture: Practices that improve the soil’s water retention capacity, reducing dependence on external water sources.

As droughts intensify and the urgency to safeguard agricultural productivity in regions like California grows, redefining efficient water use in farming becomes essential. The path forward is clear: technology, collaboration, and regenerative practices must serve as pillars to address the water crisis.

“The evidence in the United States is clear: this is not a hypothetical risk. Water scarcity is real — just as real as the technology-driven solutions that deliver direct, proven benefits for agriculture, cities, and ecosystems. This set of operational technological solutions must be accompanied by public policies and strategically targeted private financing in the regions most affected. The time has come to act and turn this difficult situation into an opportunity to build more resilient water systems and more efficient water use,” said Jairo Trad.

New innovative models are emerging in which private capital finances irrigation modernization. These are win-win models: farmers access technology without taking on all the risk, companies convert their financial resources into concrete climate outcomes, and local communities benefit from more sustainable practices.

“Currently, Kilimo has expanded its collaboration with Microsoft to promote water conservation in California’s Central Valley. This partnership focuses on launching an initiative to transform irrigation systems for local farmers. This new joint effort is part of the expansion of a collective action model in different key watersheds in the region, working with local and international stakeholders to deliver measurable, data-driven solutions to protect water resources,” added Jairo Trad.

Through collaboration and technological innovation, it is possible to improve water security and management in all areas threatened by scarcity. The planet has been signaling for decades — it is time to act before it is too late.