Drought Causes Serious Water Shortage In Community Near Santa Clarita

BOUQUET CANYON (CBSLA.com) — The state's drought crisis is causing a serious water shortage in one Southland community.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors declared a state of local emergency in Bouquet Canyon, a small community located near Santa Clarita.

Officials say that move will clear the way for faster action to give residents relief.

Resident Bill McCloud says he and his wife have resorted to drinking bottled water, taking shorter showers and foregoing baths.

A creek near McCloud's home is at its lowest since he moved nearby in 1996.

"You have to be more careful and use water at lower pressure," McCloud said.

Officials say the shortage has been caused by the drought and the creek bed becoming clogged.

McCloud is hoping the rain forecasted for this weekend will help Bouquet Canyon's situation, even though showers may carry a risk of mudslides for the residents in this hillside community.