Time to Skip Showers, Woodland Hills. Governor Orders Mandatory Water Restrictions

Responding to lowest snowpack ever recorded, Gov. Jerry Brown ordered today that cities and towns across California implement mandatory restrictions to reduce water use by 25 percent.

Brown accompanied state officials today to the Lake Tahoe area, where water experts measured the snowpack, which is a major source of water for the state but has been severely depleted to the ongoing drought.

“Today we are standing on dry grass where there should be five feet of snow,” Brown said. “This historic drought demands unprecedented action. 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.”

Brown also ordered the replacement of 50 million square feet of lawns throughout the state with drought-tolerant landscaping; the creation of a statewide rebate program for consumers who replace old appliances with more water-efficient models; mandatory reduction of water use at campuses and golf courses; and banning the use of potable water for irrigation at new homes and developments.

Local water agencies were also ordered to implement “conservation pricing,” aimed at penalizing customers who overuse water.

OTHER PATCH HEADLINES

Joni Mitchell in Intensive Care After Being Found Unconscious in Her Bel Air Home

Mystery Surrounds Death of Oil Tycoon J. Paul Getty’s Grandson in Hollywood Hills Home

We’re # 1! ...For Bad Traffic

Police Arrest Teen Suspected in Skateboarder Mob Attack on Woman in Venice

Police Warn of a Rapist in the Area After a Woman Was Sexually Assaulted Walking in Chatsworth

• City News Service
• Photo Credit: Shutterstock