Dear Friend:

Over the last several weeks, it has become clear that our state has been facing one of the toughest droughts in recent memory, and by some accounts the worst in over a century.

Access to water for daily and agricultural activities is a critical issue, especially for Inland Southern California. In and around Senate District 31, access to water - clean drinking water and for emergencies alike - has been dismal and a continuing issue, only exacerbated by the current drought.

We have a shared responsibility to conserve water whenever possible in order to alleviate the current situation. Likewise, the State must ensure that access to safe, reliable water is a top priority and I am confident that in the coming weeks we will be able to work together to lift California out of this emergency situation.

Several statewide programs offer information that can help in the effort to reduce water consumption in the wake of this drought. Save our H2O offers tips on how to reduce everyday water use, and the California Department of Water Resources provides a toolkit for improving water efficiency at home.

If you would like to stay updated on the drought, you can download the latest drought report from the Department of Water Resources.

The California State Senate is moving a proposed $687.4-million drought-relief package forward this week. This proposal will help California's ability to increase water supplies and aid Californians facing financial disaster due to this unprecedented drought.

As always it is an honor to serve you.

Respectfully,

Richard D. Roth
Senator, 31st District