LAS VEGAS – (INT) – Water watchers say the drought is beginning its 14th year. And, the consequences for Southern California are looming.

Those attending a conference of Colorado River water users in Las Vegas were warned Wednesday that shortages could appear as soon as 2017.

Much of Southern California relies on Colorado River water. Spokesman Bob Muir of the Metropolitan Water District says supplies were impacted in 2003.

“Our Colorado River water supplies were almost cut in half. Since then, we’ve been investing money to refill the aqueduct that was left half-empty. The reason supplies were cut off was because it was the beginning of the drought,” Muir said.

Experts say that changes in water management will be stepped up unless there’s a sustained improvement in rain and snowfall.

Story Date: December 17, 2013