Where ever did you get that impression of CA? The Beverly Hillbillies? "Hills, that is. Swimmin pools, movie stars." Seriously, CA water goes to CA agribusiness. We've turned the desert of the central valley into agribiz and that takes a lot of water. I suppose you could call that pools and lawns for the rich, but it also provides food.
When lo-flow toilets were first introduced, they were a little dicey. But the design has improved and I've never had any issue with them since. We installed some in our home that are efficient, quiet and reduced our water bill. As for those of you who have to flush twice, you crap too much. Obviously you crap too much. Just look at our forum here. It's so full of your crap.