Metropolitan Water District Statement on Governor’s Drought Declaration

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Timothy F. Brick, chairman of the board of directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, issues the following statement regarding Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Executive Order declaring a drought throughout California:

“As a short-term, stopgap measure, Metropolitan is drawing on its significant reserve supplies. But with the worsening problems in the Delta, there is no guarantee Southern California can replenish reserve supplies whenever this drought cycle ends. It is vital to stretch our reserve supplies for as long as possible.”

“Gov. Schwarzenegger’s drought declaration makes official a situation that has been building for many months. We are rapidly entering a new and worrisome water era, highlighted by a record dry spring that has dramatically decreased the runoff from Sierra Nevada snowpack. Environmental problems in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are restricting the ability to transport water supplies.

“As a short-term, stopgap measure, Metropolitan is drawing on its significant reserve supplies. But with the worsening problems in the Delta, there is no guarantee Southern California can replenish reserve supplies whenever this drought cycle ends. It is vital to stretch our reserve supplies for as long as possible.

“That is why Metropolitan’s Board of Directors next week will consider ramping up the call for conservation throughout the Southland by issuing a Water Supply Alert. There is a pressing need for increased water savings throughout our six-county service area.

“A drought, however, is a statewide challenge, not just a Southern California challenge. The governor’s drought declaration drives home the message that every Californian has to take our worsening water situation very seriously.”

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving 18 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage and other resource-management programs.