WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (KCBS) -- Federal water managers say they plan to cut off water, at least temporarily, to thousands of California farms as a result of the withering drought gripping the state.
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation officials say parched reservoirs and patchy rainfall this year were forcing them to completely stop surface water deliveries for at least a three-week period beginning March 1.
Despite the recent arrival of some much-needed rainfall, Contra Costa County’s 500,000 residents will likely face mandatory water restrictions this summer.
Contra Costa County is the largest municipal contractor of the CVP.
While details for the water restriction program have not been released, officials say that the “more the water you use, the more you will need to save.” The program will provide water allocations based on customers’ historical water use. CCWD is not raising rates but customers that do not reduce their consumption will face penalty charges.
KCBS’ Tim Ryan reports
CCWD officials say they will continue to monitor the water supply outlook and a decision on imposing water use restrictions will be considered at the Board of Directors’ meeting on April 1.
For more information about water conservation, visit the CCWD’s website at www.ccwater.com/.
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