Mandatory water restrictions are being lifted for nearly 7 million people across Southern California following winter storms that have boosted reservoirs and eased the severe shortage that emerged during the state’s driest three-year period on record. Citing improvements in available supplies, the board of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has decided to end an emergency conservation mandate for agencies in Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties that rely on water from the State Water Project. However, officials urged residents and businesses to continue conserving, and to prepare for expected cuts in supplies from the Colorado River. The announcement follows an onslaught of atmospheric rivers that have dumped near-record snowfall in the Sierra Nevada and pushed the state‘s flood infrastructure to its limits.

Related articles: 

• Washington Post: Water restrictions lifted in Southern California amid rainy winter 
• Guardian: California water restrictions eased for millions after atmospheric river storms
• Associated Press: Storms end Southern California water restrictions for millions
• Metropolitan Water District of Southern California: Metropolitan board rescinds emergency conservation mandate imposed on dozens of communities
• Santa Rosa Press Democrat: Santa Rosa ends emergency drought declaration following winter storms