Gov. Brown Meeting With Drought Task Force As State Faces Major Water Shortage

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Gov. Jerry Brown says he is meeting with his recently formed drought task force as California faces a serious water shortage, but says "governors can't make it rain."

Brown told reporters Thursday that he will work with farmers to take whatever steps he can to get more water to parched fields.

Reservoirs have dipped to historic lows after one of the driest calendar years on record. The first Sierra snow survey of the year recorded just 20 percent of average water content.

The Democratic governor is weighing an official drought declaration. He says he will do "everything that is humanly possible" to allow flexible use of the state's water.

Several communities already have imposed mandatory water reductions. This week, Mendocino County became the first to request state drought assistance.