In a First, U.S. Puts Limits on California’s Thirst - If we keep on with our current population trends (west and south) water is going to become a bigger and bigger problem. Out west because people who live in a desert shouldn’t expect to have a lawn, much less massive car-centered cities that exist only because of air conditioning. Down south because, as my dad is finding out, some of the effects of development can have serious geological consequences.