Schwarzenegger proclaims state of emergency because of drought

Los Angeles Times

By Patrick McGreevy
2:03 PM PST, February 27, 2009

Reporting from Sacramento -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today proclaimed a state of emergency because California is in the third year of a drought. His declaration sets the stage for additional steps to conserve water.

Although precipitation is about 75% of normal for the year, key reservoirs, including the one in Oroville, are down to 35% of capacity.

In his proclamation, the governor uses his authority to direct all state government agencies to utilize their resources, implement a state emergency plan and provide assistance for people, communities and businesses affected by the drought.

"Even with the recent rainfall, California faces its third consecutive year of drought and we must prepare for the worst -- a fourth, fifth or even sixth year of drought," Schwarzenegger said.

"Last year we experienced the driest spring and summer on record and storage in the state's reservoir system is near historic lows," he added. "This drought is having a devastating impact on our people, our communities, our economy and our environment -- making today's action absolutely necessary. This is a crisis, just as severe as an earthquake or raging wildfire, and we must treat it with the same urgency by upgrading California's water infrastructure to ensure a clean and reliable water supply for our growing state."

The governor's order directs actions including:

• That all urban water users immediately increase their water conservation activities in an effort to reduce their individual water use by 20%.
• That the Department of Water Resources expedite water transfers and related efforts by water users and suppliers.
• That the department offer technical assistance to agricultural water suppliers and agricultural water users, including information on managing water supplies to minimize economic impacts and implementing efficient water management practices.