Watch CBS News

Gov. Jerry Brown Issues Calls For Mandatory 25 Percent Water Reduction With No End In Sight For Drought

SACRAMENTO (CBS SF) – With no end to the statewide drought in sight, California Governor Jerry Brown has issued an executive order for the first ever statewide mandatory water reductions.

"Today we are standing on dry grass where there should be five feet of snow. The historic drought demands unprecedented action," Brown said in a statement. "Therefore, I am issuing an executive order mandating substantial water reductions across our state. As Californians, we must pull together and save water in every way possible."

INFOGRAPHIC: How A Salad Uses A Lot More Water Than A Shower

This comes as the snowpack has shrunk to the lowest levels ever recorded.

FULL TEXT: Governor Jerry Brown's Executive Order Calling For Mandatory Water Restrictions
IDEA GALLERY: Real People's Ways To Save Water

Governor Brown has directed the State Water Resources Control Board to implement mandatory water reductions of 25 percent in cities and towns across the state. The executive order also calls on local water agencies to adjust their rate structures to implement conservation pricing.

He is also looking to streamline the state's drought response and invest in new technologies that will make California more drought resilient.

California is in its fourth year of a statewide drought and last year, Governor Brown declared a drought state of emergency.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.