Multiyear shortage of water discussed

Water managers warned yesterday that San Diego County is on the verge of multiyear shortages comparable to those caused by the early 1990s drought.

Fears about the fragile water supply grew after a court ruling Friday that is expected to dramatically reduce state water deliveries to Southern California.

Soaring temperatures added to the unease by spiking the demand for water. At the same time, the Colorado River – the county's other major source of water – remains shriveled by a long dry spell that is likely to worsen with climate changes related to global warming, scientists say.

While the full effect of the judge's order is uncertain, water officials are talking about raising prices to promote conservation and imposing urban water-use restrictions next year. North County farmers already were expecting cutbacks of at least 30 percent starting in January.

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