Article Launched: 12/16/2007 07:15:23 PM PST

POWAY, Calif.—Farmers in north San Diego County are being urged to reduce water use by 30 percent as a water shortage looms over the region.

Officials in Poway are asking some 74 growers to voluntarily cut their water use by New Year's Day. The growers are part of a program that offers discounted water rates to property owners who grow avocados, citrus fruits and other crops in the area.

Officials say the request could extend to all residents in Poway. They say water conservation is especially crucial since the city's water supplier, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, has warned it may cut the water supply by 25 percent.

Some farmers say the cut could put them out of business or make it hard to save crops damaged by the Witch fire in October.

———

Information from: North County Times, http://www.nctimes.com