Editorial: Don’t get hopes up too high for a deal

Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2003 | 9:12 a.m.

Water agencies in California appear to be close to an agreement that could result in both California and Nevada once again receiving surplus water from the Colorado River. It would be good news, indeed, to see large agricultural users of water in California agree to water conservation efforts, something that Interior Secretary Gale Norton has insisted on before she considers any further release of extra water flow from the Colorado River.

That being said, Southern Nevadans shouldn't get too excited that this means we'll escape water restrictions. The Sun's Launce Rake reported last week that, even with a new agreement, any surplus water likely would be limited because of the severe drought that has persisted for three years. So Southern Nevadans should start preparing themselves now for the almost-certain prospect of watering restrictions. We just may have to acknowledge that we live in the desert -- and have to act like it.