Yesterday, Governor Jerry Brown issued an Executive Order to establish long-tern conservation measures for the state in anticipation of enduring drought conditions. The Governor built on the temporary statewide emergency water restrictions previously established by requiring “permanent monthly water use reporting, new permanent water use standards in California communities and bans on clearly wasteful practices such as hosing off sidewalks, driveways and other hardscapes.”
The Executive Order focuses on the following areas:
- Using Water More Wisely
- Eliminating Water Waste
- Strengthening Local Drought Resilience
- Improving Agricultural Water Use Efficiency and Drought Planning
According to the Governor’s press release, “California droughts are expected to be more frequent and persistent, as warmer winter temperatures driven by climate change reduce water held in the Sierra Nevada snowpack and result in drier soil conditions. Recognizing these new conditions, the executive order directs permanent changes to use water more wisely and efficiently, and prepare for more frequent, persistent periods of limited supply.”