May 24th-- Water Shortage

Dear Friend,

For the first time in California history, Governor Brown issued an executive order on April 1st requiring mandatory conservation for all California residents, directing several state agencies to take immediate action to conserve the state’s remaining urban water supplies. On May 5th, in accordance with the Governor's order, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted an emergency regulation requiring an immediate 25 percent reduction in overall urban water use statewide.

The conservation standards for certain communities range between 4 percent and 36 percent, with 55 gallons as the target daily water use per person. Local agencies are authorized to fine property owners up to $500 a day if they fail to implement the water use prohibitions and restrictions, and water agencies that violate cease and desist orders are subject to a civil liability of up to $10,000 a day.

With these mandatory restrictions on water use, the drought is changing each of our lifestyles. From farmers and ranchers to those living suburban and urban areas, each one of us is facing consequences of this prolonged and severe water shortage.

Sincerely,

Doug LaMalfa