Los Angeles, California - Mandatory water restrictions are being lifted for nearly 7 million people across Southern California following winter storms that have boosted reservoirs and eased a severe shortage that emerged during the state's driest three-year period on record. Water restrictions for Southern California have been lifted after a severe shortage that emerged during the state's driest three-year period on record. © MARIO TAMA / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFPThe board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California decided to end the emergency conservation mandate for agencies in portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties that depend on supplies from the State Water Project. Officials said the change reflects improvements in the available supplies, but they urged residents and businesses to continue conserving to help address what is still a water deficit, and to prepare for expected cuts in supplies from the Colorado River's depleted reservoirs. Conserving lets us refill storage and be prepared for another dry year."

Source: Los Angeles Times March 16, 2023 12:03 UTC