Metropolitan Water District Says No Emergency Exists

Despite five years of drought, record-setting heat and water being diverted to protect the state’s native fish population, Southern California’s top urban water agency said Monday that it has enough water stored for nearly five years. “That is pretty good,” said Jeff Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, during a news conference at its Los Angeles headquarters. “Demand is down and supply is up. We’ve added to our drought resiliency even in the middle of a drought.”