Governor declares drought, warns of falling water supply

SACRAMENTO -- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a statewide drought Wednesday, warning that the state's water supply is falling dangerously low because of below-average rainfall and court-ordered water restrictions aimed at protecting fish.

"We must recognize the severity of this crisis we face," Schwarzenegger said at a Capitol news conference. He said this spring had been the driest on record in Northern California, which supplies most of the water to the state.

Along with the proclamation, the governor issued an executive order intended to speed transfers of water to areas experiencing the most severe shortages, help local water districts boost conservation efforts, identify risks to the state's water supply, and assist farmers.

In addition, the governor is naming two "water czars," one to coordinate conservation programs and the other to speed water transfers.

The governor stopped short of declaring a water emergency.

Local water officials said the declaration, while largely symbolic for the North Coast, at least will highlight the need for conservation throughout the state.

"If anything it's going to draw more attention to the fact that it's not just our area," said Brad Sherwood, a spokesman for the Sonoma County Water Agency.

The water agency already is asking water users to conserve at about the same level as last summer, when such efforts led to a 20 percent drop in water use.

As well, officials said, the declaration may help spur state aid for new projects that could conserve water and energy.

The water agency Wednesday gathered 150 business officials north of Santa Rosa to tout a proposal to use recycled water in the heating and cooling of business parks. Pending legislation would allow the formation of assessment districts to finance such energy conservation projects.

Administration officials say Wednesday's move is a first step, intended to put Californians on notice that rationing could be coming if the situation does not improve.

California depends on winter snow accumulating in the Sierra Nevada for much of its summer water supply. But March, April and May were the driest winter months on record, forcing water use cutbacks by farmers and urban residents alike.

The governor is warning that conditions could be even worse in 2009 if there is another dry winter.

Snow measurements last month found the Sierra held just 69 percent of an average winter, and that runoff into California rivers was at just 55 percent of a normal year.

Some areas of the state are more vulnerable than others. In the San Joaquin Valley, water shortages this year could force farmers to sacrifice tomato crops. In other parts of the state, however, rationing is not threatened this year.

The governor's move comes as he is seeking support in the Legislature for $11.9 billion in spending on new water projects, such as reservoirs, river restoration projects, and water quality improvement. Such proposals have been resisted by some environmental groups concerned that new reservoirs will harm fish and other wildlife.

"Our drought is an urgent reminder of the immediate need to upgrade California's water infrastructure," Schwarzenegger said. "I hope the legislators get the point. . . . Let's fix all of these things that need to be fixed rather than waiting and waiting and waiting."