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California Drought Conservation Measures Could Be Permanent

KCBS_740SACRAMENTO (KCBS) -- California water agencies have drawn up plans to keep drought conservation measures in place permanently.

They say the aim is to make saving water a way of life.

State Water Resources Control Board member Max Gomberg says local water utilities can expect tough restrictions on water use

"We're going to give all these water agencies a budget, and we're going to say, 'you have to be in your budget, and your budget is going to be x-gallons of water. If you're under x, you're good, and if you're over that budget, then the state is going to help you meet that budget,' and that can include everything from technical assistance to enforcement," Gomberg told KCBS.

When Gomberg says enforcement - that means fines.

State scientists are predicting longer and more severe droughts in the future, caused by climate change.

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