Drought-hit California in water crisis

California has declared a state-wide drought emergency after its driest year for almost a century.

Governor Gavin Newsom has extended existing emergency measures to eight counties including San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego. The move compels water suppliers to enact contingency plans and bans wastage.

Newsom said: “As the western US faces a potential third year of drought, it’s critical that Californians across the state redouble our efforts to save water in every way possible.”

In July Newsom, 54, called for water use to be cut by 15%. However, after the hottest August on record, consumption had fallen by barely 5%.