Morongo Basin residents will be getting a little break in how much they are mandated by the state to reduce their water usage. The State Water Resources Control Board met Tuesday in Sacramento and extended its emergency drought regulations through October. But the water board also revised the state’s mandated conservation goals in consideration of certain factors that influence water use, such as desert heat. Joshua Basin Water District customers will benefit the most from the relaxed regulations. Previously, they were required to reduce their water consumption by 28 percent; under the revised regulations, it’s now 20 percent. Twentynine Palms Water District customers now have to reduce water use by 24 percent instead of 28 percent, and residents in the Hi-Desert Water District have to reduce water usage 13 percent instead of 16 percent. The new round of regulations takes effect February 13.
