SAN DIEGO — With a water shortage still gripping the region, the San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member agencies are encouraging residents, businesses and public agencies, as well as gardeners and landscape professionals, to take advantage of seasonal cooler temperatures and shorter days and reduce outdoor watering this winter.

“It’s very important to continue water conservation practices in the coming months,” said Claude A. “Bud” Lewis, Water Authority Board Chair. “Regulatory restrictions on State Water Project pumping are still in effect, significantly reducin...