“It is older than the earliest pyramids on the Nile, older than the world’s oldest tree, the bristlecone pine. It was swirling down rivers and streams 15,000 to 20,000 years ago when humans were crossing the Bering Strait from Asia.” That’s how deep California farmers are digging to find water to get through a lengthy drought. And that means the land sinks, the aquifers shrink, and all of us could use a drink.

+ Related: We’re drinking whiskey too fast.