On Tuesday, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) declared a drought emergency as record dry conditions continue to impact water supplies across the region. The declaration is due to multiple factors, which include over the past two years California experiencing its lowest levels of precipitation on record, extreme heat due to climate change, and Lake Oroville – the main reservoir on the State Water Project – being at its lowest level ever. MWD receives its water from the State Water Project and the Colorado river, both of which are under significant stress. The declaration calls for conservation efforts across the entire region, but specifically focuses on six water agencies that rely greatly on the stressed-State Water Project. To boost conservation, the MWD increased water-saving initiatives and provided extra funding for water-efficient toilets and devices, among other programs.

Due to the significant depletion of the State Water Project’s water supply, state officials expect to announce a zero-percent allocation for 2022. If drought conditions continue, the state could provide only enough water considered necessary to protect the health and safety of Californians. “We’re reaching uncharted territory here and we need all Southern Californians to be part of the solution,” MWD General Manager Adel Hagekhalil said. “We need everyone to take action to reduce their water use immediately. This drought emergency declaration helps us all move in the same direction.” Access MWD’s press release or read a relevant news article.