Leaky Water Main Means Rationing In Riverside Co.

RIVERSIDE (AP) — Emergency repairs to a major drinking water line have officials in Riverside County asking residents to suspend all outdoor and non-essential indoor water use.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California says that more than 325,000 customers need to limit their water usage through Sunday so that the line can fill back up following repairs to a leaky valve.

The rationing request covers Perris, Moreno Valley and parts of neighboring cities including Riverside.

The Press Enterprise of Riverside reports that the 9-foot-diameter pipeline, which carries water from Northern California as part of the state's redistribution system, should be back to normal by Sunday night.

With temperatures climbing and emergency supplies limited, officials say it is particularly important that water be used only for critical needs.

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