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Efforts to Protect a Small Fish Could Lead to Reductions in Water Supply

How could a 3-inch, endangered fish jeopardize a large portion of San Diego's water supply? We speak to California Senator Christine Kehoe and Dennis Cushman with the San Diego County Water Authority

Efforts to Protect a Small Fish Could Lead to Reductions in Water Supply

Tom Fudge: Forecasters tell us that a rain storm is actually heading toward San Diego County. And it may dump half an inch of rain on us by tomorrow. If it does come in, it won't hurt. But it also won't have much effect on the drought.

Two years of very low rainfall in San Diego, and in much of California, have been accompanied by little snowfall in key areas. The Colorado River valley has had very little moisture lately. Same goes for California's Sierra Mountain range. And just a few weeks ago, a federal judge ruled that pumping water from the Sacramento River Delta must be cut down. The judge's ruling was done to save a small variety of smelt in the valley.

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But most people agree it was high time for our statewide water exchange system to be reformed. Basically, California needs to stop wasting water. We need to live within our means when it comes to landscaping and growing thirsty crops. Here in San Diego, water rationing is expected to be imposed in the near future. Later this year, Governor Schwarzenegger is expected to call a special session of the legislature to deal with water issues. 

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