In 2014, Prop 1 was passed with a 67% majority voting yes. Initially named the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014, it was later shortened to Prop 1, setting the naming format for future propositions.

What it does

Prop 1 authorizes $7.545 billion toward California’s water systems. This includes measures to protect drinking water, to restore watersheds, and to control future flooding. About $2.7 billion of the total funds was used towards improving water transportation and counteracting drought effects.

Pros

“Yes on Proposition 1 ensures a reliable water supply for farms and businesses during severe drought – protecting both the economy and the environment,” said President of the CA Farm Bureau Federation Paul Wenger.

Supporters of Prop 1 believed that in the long run, it would reform California’s water system to have safe drinking water for all Californians, as well as investing in local water projects and environmental restoration.

Cons

Detractors of Prop 1 argued that the proposal did not provide truly effective drought relief. Instead of concentrating on long-term strategies, they said, Prop 1 only focused on proven short-term projects.

“Proposition 1… will not mitigate the effects of drought, and does nothing to support long-term water self-sufficiency… [it] would subsidize more of the same poor water planning that caused our current, precarious water supply paradigm,” said Marco Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Coastal Environment Rights Foundation .

Voting results

Prop 1 remains in progress today. Among its accomplishments is the California Conservation Corps, an organization dedicated to restoring fisheries, wetlands, stream banks, and meadows. The group also works to reintroduce native species and remove invasive ones.

So far, Prop 1’s efforts in funding water improvement has proven successful and worthwhile. Californians will continue to observe the progress of Prop 1 as it remains in place for the future.