SoCal Water Managers Confronting Possibility Of Multi-Year Water Shortage

[hatrack]

Water managers warned yesterday that San Diego County is on the verge of multiyear shortages comparable to those caused by the early 1990s drought. Fears about the fragile water supply grew after a court ruling Friday that is expected to dramatically reduce state water deliveries to Southern California.

Soaring temperatures added to the unease by spiking the demand for water. At the same time, the Colorado River – the county's other major source of water – remains shriveled by a long dry spell that is likely to worsen with climate changes related to global warming, scientists say.

While the full effect of the judge's order is uncertain, water officials are talking about raising prices to promote conservation and imposing urban water-use restrictions next year. North County farmers already were expecting cutbacks of at least 30 percent starting in January.

“We are in for a tremendous shift in the way we operate our agencies and access . . . water supplies for our customers,” said Gary Arant, general manager for the Valley Center Municipal Water District. The growing pessimism fueled speculation about water shortages hampering economic growth. During the last big drought, water officials learned that it is politically difficult to allow new connections as they force cutbacks for existing customers.

EDIT

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20070905-9999-1m5short.html

[CrispyQ]

1. I don't know about SoCal, but here on the Colorado front range,

we have acres & acres of business park lawn that gets generously watered, frequently during the hottest time of the day. :eyes:

[kestrel91316]

2. That's ok. Nobody will have to cut back on their water use.

I'm sure San Diego can do just like Las Vegas and find somebody else's water to steal.

[XemaSab]

3. They're not getting it from the raising of Shasta Dam

*That* water belongs to Westlands. :D