California’s climate is prone to prolonged periods of drought that are exacerbated by the effects of climate change. The most severe drought on the instrumental record stretched from 2012-2016, and had far-reaching effects on the state’s economy, ecosystem, and citizens. Disadvantaged and cumulatively burdened communities were highly affected by water shortages, highlighting underlying inequities in how the state’s water resources are managed. Addressing the impacts of drought on disadvantaged and cumulatively burdened communities is all the more urgent as droughts become longer, more frequent, and more severe due to climate change.