California’s 2016 water year ended Friday with lower-than-expected rainfall and a “snow drought” as the state’s snowpack measured well below average. Folsom Lake in 2011 and 2014.

Water year 2016, which ran from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, was officially categorized as “dry” statewide, continuing California’s five-year drought. The onset of the new water year has brought attention to the record reliance on groundwater by farmers and water wars between corporations and residents.

For a deeper dive: News: LA Times, Lake County News, New York Times, Sacramento Bee, San Gabriel Valley Tribune Commentary: Wired, Nick Stockton column; Fresno Bee editorial …