'Beyond depressing': What happened to Phoenix Lake? A favorite Bay Area spot is barely there FacebookTwitterEmail Dry cracked earth is visible along the banks of Phoenix Lake on April 21, 2021 in Ross, California. Marin County became the first county in California to impose mandatory water-use restrictions that are set to take effect May 1. Residents will be ordered to refrain from washing cars at home, refilling pools and only water lawns once a week. California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a drought emergency in Sonoma and Mendocino counties as the worsening drought takes hold in the state.Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Tucked among the trees at the foot of Mount Tamalpais, Phoenix Lake is among the smallest but perhaps prettiest jewels in a strand of reservoirs spread across Marin County.