Millions of California Residents , Ordered To Cut Water Use , Amid Historic Drought.
AP reports that on April 27, a water shortage emergency was declared by the board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
Areas of L.A., Ventura and San Bernardino counties will be subjected to water restrictions beginning June 1.
We don’t have enough water supplies right now to meet normal demand. The water is not there. This is unprecedented territory. We’ve never done anything like this before, Rebecca Kimitch, district spokesperson, via AP.
According to Kimitch, when looking at rainfall and snowfall, January, February and March of this year were the
three driest months in California's recorded history. .
2020 and 2021 produced the least rainfall on record in the state for two consecutive years, according to the Metropolitan Water District.
AP reports that last year, the State Water Project's main reservoir, Lake Oroville, also reached its lowest point since the 1970s.
Although Gov. Gavin Newsom has pleaded with residents to cut their water consumption by 15%, few have been quick to comply.
If water reduction goals aren't met
by local agencies, a fine of up to
$2,000 per acre-foot of water will be issued.
Local agencies are in charge of determining
how they will enforce restrictions on their customers.
If the restrictions fail, the
Metropolitan Water District may impose a
total ban on outdoor watering by September