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Water Crisis Hurting California's Economy

Water Crisis Hurting California's Economy
The below-normal snowpack in the Sierra could mean more water restrictions next summer ... and lost jobs. KPBS Envirronment Reporter Ed Joyce explains.

The below-normal snowpack in the Sierra could mean more water restrictions next summer ... and lost jobs. KPBS Envirronment Reporter Ed Joyce explains.

The final survey of the season in the Sierra shows the snowpack is at two-thirds of normal for this time of year.

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Just last week the San Diego County Water Authority told customers it would be reducing water deliveries by eight percent starting July 1.

State Meteorologist Elissa Lynn says the lean snowpack, restrictions on Delta pumping and continued drought is hurting the state's economy.

"It's estimated that about 20,000 jobs will be lost in the San Joaquin Valley this year due to the loss in crop production and related business impacts from this drought that we're experiencing," Lynn said. "I think everyone needs to treat water like the precious resource it is and definitely conserve."

Lynn says supply from state and federal water projects will be near record lows this year.

She says a growing population also puts a squeeze on supply.

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Lynn says if conditions remain dry next year more severe restrictions on water use will be necessary.

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.