Water Restrictions Lifted for 7 Million Californians

The Metropolitan Water District has ended a conservation mandate for several counties that receive supplies from the State Water Project. 

Restrictions have been lifted for nearly 7 million Californians across Los Angeles, San Bernadino, and Riverside counties. 

Despite the end of the mandate, residents are still being asked to conserve water. 

Why was the Mandate Lifted?

Due to the heavy rain and snowfall caused by several atmospheric rivers, the Metropolitan Water District believes the state’s water supply has improved enough to end the conservation mandate. 

The restrictions, such as limiting outdoor water usage to once a week, have been in place since June. They were officially lifted last week. 

Due to the unusually wet winter, this is not the first time the Metropolitan Water District has adjusted its water policy. 

In February, they increased their allocation of requested resources from the State Water Project to 35%. In January, the allocation was 30%; last year it was a mere 5%. 

Although the state believes more comfortable with the current water supply, they are still asking residents to utilize conservation efforts. This is due to the expected cuts from the Colorado River. 

Nearly a quarter of Southern California's water comes from the river. However, due to climate change and overuse by multiple states, water levels are at the lowest its been in decades.

The situation has reached the federal level with President Biden looking over plans to reduce water allocation to the seven states that use the river. As of right now, the respective states are in discussions to see how the water reduction should be distributed.  

With more rain expected in the coming weeks, we’ll make sure to update you if there are any further updates from the Metropolitan Water District. 

For the latest news in the Greater Los Angeles Area, keep up with BOMA on the Frontline.