California lifts statewide water use restrictions after wet winter
On Wednesday, California's State Water Resources Control Board voted 4-0 to ease statewide water conservation rules enacted by Gov. Jerry Brown (D) in April 2015, after a harsh, multi-year drought left California dangerously dry. After a wet winter in Northern California, fueled by a lighter-than-forecast El Niño weather system, the water board decided to let each of California's 411 water districts set their own water conservation levels, subject to approval from the state regulators.
That means communities in the north, where reservoirs are full, will probably ease their water restrictions entirely, as might communities in the populous south fed by those northern reservoirs. Other areas will have to keep restrictions on car washing and lawn watering in place. "The goal here is to back off a little and say, 'Okay, it's not the... emergency it was, and so we're going to move to the Ronald Reagan model of trust but verify,'" Max Gomberg, the water board's climate and conservation manager, told the Los Angeles Times.
Brown's order to reduce statewide water usage by 25 percent was widely deemed a success, and some conservationists worry that letting local water districts "self-certify" will roll back hard-won gains. State regulators hope some of the water savings will endure due to changed habits and landscaping, noting that the drought isn't over. California made permanent some rules, like a ban on washing down sidewalks and driveways. Agricultural irrigation — California's largest consumer of water — isn't affected by the change in rules, since agricultural water use is covered by different regulations.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
5 brain-busting cartoons about RFK Jr.
Cartoons Artists take on candidate suitability, the Kennedy family, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Right to roam: the battle to access England's green spaces
The Explainer A battle is being fought over access to England's green spaces
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: May 12, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published