Drought restrictions to continue

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The series of storms we've seen this year haven't been nearly enough to put a dent in the California drought. Governor Brown has called for an extension of statewide water conservation rules through October 31st.

El Nino's impact was evident in the snow-capped mountains which offered a pretty backdrop on a sunny day and the lush green lawns which have returned to many valley neighborhoods. But the proposed extension on drought restrictions has put us in a strange situation where even if it's flooding in some places we still need to think about conserving. City of Fresno spokesperson Mark Standriff said, "For our standpoint it's still important that not only everybody looks at and complies with our watering restrictions but they need to know that every drop that we save is water we can use in the future."

Fresno residents were required to cut water usage last year by 28%. That figure may be lowered this year. Clovis residents had to meet a 36% reduction rate last year. Public Utilities Director Luke Serpa expected a lower figure this year.

Serpa said, "Somewhere more than 32, maybe up to 34% cut this year in Clovis so we will continue having our restrictions in place. One day a week watering during the winter. Two days a week once we get into irrigation season."

Despite the storms we're still looking at an average snowpack while reservoirs and groundwater supplies remain depleted. Serpa explained, "So we would have to get 20 inches extra to really erase that deficit and we are not there. Record year wouldn't get us there."

The State Water Resources Control Board will meet February 2nd to make a final decision.