Drought conditions continue

Even with winter storms bringing the state's snowpack water level up to 81 percent of normal, state and local officials warned Thursday that drought conditions are continuing and Los Angeles residents will have to pay more for water this year. Daily News.

The state Department of Water Resources' fourth snow survey of the winter season showed the state will continue to have water supply problems after two drought years.

"A below-average snowpack at this time of year, especially after two consecutive dry years, is a cause for concern," DWR Director Lester Snow said. "Our most critical storage reservoirs remain low and we face severe water supply problems in many parts of our state."