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San Diego Officials Introduce Five-Year Plan to Reduce Water Use

Record dry conditions in California have water officials calling for more conservation. San Diego officials have now rolled out a new five-year plan that focuses on ways to reduce outdoor watering at

San Diego Officials Introduce Five-Year Plan to Reduce Water Use

Record dry conditions in California have water officials calling for more conservation. San Diego officials have now rolled out a new five-year plan that focuses on ways to reduce outdoor watering at homes and businesses. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has details.

Many California water agencies are draining stored water supplies because of the record dry spell. But water officials say reducing outdoor watering could save more of the precious resource.

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The San Diego County Water Authority 's new conservation plan focuses on reducing outdoor watering by industrial and business users.

Mayda Portillo is a water resources specialist with the authority.

Portillo : What we don't save today, we won't have tomorrow. Frankly we have enough water for this year, but next year's really, really, there's just a lot of uncertainties next year.

She says large industrial water users can qualify for grants to replace or upgrade equipment that improves outdoor watering efficiency. The plan also includes water-saving rebates and incentives so commercial and residential users can buy water-efficient equipment.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.