LOS ANGELES — California's drought has reached such severe proportions that Gov. Jerry Brown outlined the first ever
The mandates will save water and increase enforcement to prevent wasteful water use, streamline the state's drought response and invest in new technologies that will make California more drought resilient, according to the governor's office.
The restrictions were announced in a press conference at a location where snow measurements are usually being taken on April 1.
"Today we are standing on dry grass where there should be five feet of snow. This historic drought demands unprecedented action," Brown said. "Therefore, I'm issuing an executive order mandating substantial water reductions across our state. As Californians, we must pull together and save water in every way possible."
The governor directed the State Water Resources Control Board to implement mandatory water reductions in cities and towns across California to reduce water usage by 25 percent. This savings amounts to approximately 1.5 million acre-feet of water over the next nine months.
The order calls for 50 million square feet of lawns throughout the state to be replaced with drought tolerant landscaping in partnership with local governments.
It directs the creation of a temporary, statewide consumer rebate program to replace old appliances with more water and energy efficient models. It requires campuses, golf courses, cemeteries and other large landscapes to make significant cuts in water use, imposes limits on irrigation at newly built homes, and bans watering of ornamental grass on public street medians.
The governor's order calls on local water agencies to adjust their rate structures to implement conservation pricing.
Agricultural water users will be required to report more water use information to state regulators, increasing the state's ability to enforce against illegal diversions and waste and unreasonable use of water
