Marin County declares local emergency over drought conditions: Grim and deteriorating
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The water level is historically low at Phoenix Lake in Kentfield, Calif., on Monday, April 19, 2021. Marin County officials declared a drought emergency on Tuesday in light of deteriorating conditions already hitting some farms hard.Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle
Amid deepening anxieties over worsening drought conditions throughout California, Marin County officials declared a state of emergency Tuesday.
The unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors makes the county eligible for state funding and other resources as residents brace for a hot, dry summer.
Parched conditions are already “severely affecting” West Marin farms, the county said, where officials have described the situation as “grim and deteriorating.”
Creeks are dwindling, reservoirs are draining, and water suppliers are sounding the alarm.
Marin declared a drought emergency this week, the latest step in a crisis that will only deepen into the summer. Water providers large and small are conserving and creating backup plans, and they are searching for new sources of water. Prospects of outside help are diminishing, so suppliers are turning to their customers to save them from running dry.
“You only have to drive by Nicasio Dam or Stafford Lake to see the dire conditions we are facing,” Supervisor Dennis Rodoni said. “Drought conditions are the worst we have seen in over 140 years in Marin. Please take this drought and recommendations from the water agencies seriously. While we have plenty of water for health and safety of our families, it is important that we do not waste any water.”