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State Water Agencies Tapping Reserves They'd Rather Stockpile

Officials throughout California are worried about the water supply. Because of dry conditions this year, water agencies are now using stored water they'd rather save. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more.

State Water Agencies Tapping Reserves They'd Rather Stockpile

Officials throughout California are worried about the water supply. Because of dry conditions this year, water agencies are now using stored water they'd rather save. KPBS reporter Ed Joyce has more.

Low snowpack in the Sierra, a drought on the Colorado River and record low rainfall in much of California has water agencies drawing down stored water we may need next year.

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Jason Foster is with the San Diego County Water Authority .

Foster: So that means that we're going to have less flexibility next year if we have another dry year to meet those current demands so that's why it's so important for us to conserve now and maximize the savings between now and next summer so that we'll have more water in storage to help meet needs if, especially if there's another dry year.

San Diego County water officials want us to voluntarily conserve about 20 gallons each a day. Some mandatory water rationing is already in effect in parts of Northern California.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.