Governor Jerry Brown declared a mandatory 25 percent cutback in California’s water use. If the mandatory conservation targets are not met, California cities, counties and water companies face up to $10,000 in fines for each day they are out of compliance. “We’re in a new era,” Brown said. “The idea of your nice little green grass getting water every day, that’s going to be a thing of the past.” He asked for tiered rates, appliance rebates and incentives for removing lawns. “We’re in a historic drought and that demands unprecedented action,” Brown said. “We have to pull together and save water in every way we can.” For the past year, the State Water Resources Control Board has asked for a 20 percent reduction, mostly relying on voluntary programs.
