DROUGHT CONDITIONS—Lack of water is readily apparent at Lake Oroville, the starting point for the State Water Project, where the water level is dropping approximately one foot a day. Boat owners may soon find themselves in dry dock. Demand for water in May and June this year was 5 percent higher than during the same period last year, dropping key reservoirs throughout California to their lowest levels since 1994, officials saidMandatory restrictions are likely to be enforced next year if the demand doesn't slow, said Eric Bergh, manager of resources for Calleguas Municipal Water District, which serves most of Ventura County.

The light snow pack, high temperatures and wasteful urban runoff are contributing to the reduced water supplies. According to Lester SnowCalifornia Department of Water resources director, California is facing the most significant water crisis in its history.

The problem is readily apparent at Lake Oroville, the starting point for the State Water Project, where the water level is dropping approximately one foot a day.

Pumping restrictions imposed late last year on the Water Project—which pumps water from the Bay-Delta region east of San Francisco to water agencies throughout the state—reduced allocations by 30 percent. Normal pumping was recently restored, but there are new concerns that operations could again be restricted to protect two endangered salmon species.

"At this pace, the state could be slipping into a severe water crisis if the drought continues," Bergh said. "This is a real problem."

The Bay-Delta system, he said, is fraught with aging infrastructure. If a large earthquake strikes, levees could break and fresh water would be contaminated with salt from the San Francisco Bay.

"Beyond conservation, we need a Delta fix," Bergh said.

In the meantime, Calleguas is storing water underground to enhance reserves.

Residents need to do their part, too, Bergh said.

Outside of agricultural use, 70 percent of the water supplied to urban areas throughout the region is used on outdoor landscaping.

"We want to send a strong message that we need to redouble our efforts to conserve," Bergh said. "People need to stress their landscaping. If we all cut back, reserves can be extended."

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, along with local agencies, has created a website listing ways for residents to save water and take advantage of rebates on water-saving devices.

Rebate programs at www .bewaterwise.com are available to the public.