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Water Restrictions Coming As Folsom Lake Levels Projected To Set Record

FOLSOM (CBS13) — Water levels at Folsom Lake are projected to be their lowest since the dam was built after two dry years, prompting calls for residents to cut back on their water usage.

The lake was at 367 feet on Monday, or 21 percent of capacity and 43 percent of normal for this time of the year.

Folsom is telling homeowners to turn off their sprinklers so the city can cut back the amount of water used. Roseville is asking residents and businesses to use water more efficiently in light of the historically dry conditions.

And it doesn't look like it's going to get better anytime soon. The National Weather Service forecasts little rain and snow in the coming weeks.

"We don't see anything on the horizon," said National Weather Service meteorologist Michelle Mead. "The preliminary outlook for January is below average precipitation for California.

If you're looking to skip rocks in Folsom Lake, get ready to walk about a mile out to the water. The forecast means the lake will only get drier.

If levels keep on pace, it will mark the least amount of water measured in the lake since 1976.

"We have had two dry years already, so a third year is definitely when the reservoirs start to feel the impact," Mead said.

The city of Folsom has mandated homeowners only water their lawns twice a week or not at all.

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