Misinformation Clouds California Wildfires and Water Management Debate

False claims about water rights and infrastructure issues have overshadowed real challenges in battling Los Angeles fires.

Social media has falsely accused Stewart and Lynda Resnick of withholding water needed to fight Los Angeles wildfires, despite their water holdings being unrelated to the city's supply.
The Resnicks, owners of the Wonderful Company, control a majority stake in the Kern Water Bank, which is over 100 miles from Los Angeles and primarily serves agricultural and municipal needs in Kern County.
Experts clarified that the Los Angeles water system's challenges during the fires stemmed from infrastructure limitations, including depleted hydrants and an empty reservoir under repair, not water shortages.
The California State Water Resources Control Board emphasizes that water rights holders cannot withhold water at a scale that would impede emergency needs, as state law prohibits unreasonable use.
Misinformation about firefighting methods and equipment, including misleading claims about the use of small water bags, has further complicated public understanding of the crisis.