(CA) Low rainfall could mean restrictions; water agencies announce usage cuts of up to 70%

Water agency officials throughout the north state learned Wednesday that low rainfall this winter could mean less water this summer for homeowners, businesses and farmers.

"Pretty bleak," said David Coxey, general manager of the Bella Vista Water District, which serves about 16,000 people in the Redding area.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced Wednesday that water districts such as Bella Vista will get 75 percent of their contracted amount for nonagricultural water users including homeowners and businesses.

Farmers and ranchers will get only 30 percent of their contracted amount, according to the bureau, which operates the Central Valley Water Project.


http://www.redding.com/news/2012/feb/22/low-rainfall-could-mean-restrictions/