SACRAMENTO (KNX) — March marked the driest of the first three months of the year, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Monday, saying in a statement that he signed an executive order calling on local water agencies to be more "aggressive" about water conservation measures.
“While we have made historic investments to protect our communities, economy and ecosystems from the worsening drought across the West, it is clear we need to do more,” Newsom said.
“Amid climate-driven extremes in weather, we must all continue to do our part and make water conservation a way of life.”
Newsom's plan includes having the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) evaluate a ban on watering "ornamental grass on commercial properties," which would drive water use savings at this critical time, Newsom said.
The ban would impact residential lawns, grass used for recreation and grass adjacent to large industrial and commercial buildings.
Newsoms signing of the executive order comes in the third year of California's historic drought, and conditions only continue to worsen.
"Today’s order called on the SWRCB to consider requiring urban water suppliers to activate, at a minimum, Level 2 of their customized Water Shortage Contingency Plans,” Newsom said.
Level 2 Shortage Contingency Plans would involve implementing water conservation actions to prepare for a water shortage level of up to 20%.
"For example," Newsom said. "In many communities, this would mean reducing the number of days that residents can water outdoors, among other measures."
Newsom also ordered state agencies to submit funding proposals to support the state's short and long-term drought response, including emergency assistance to communities in drought-related water shortages.
The order also includes
Ensuring Vulnerable Communities Have Drinking Water
Safeguarding Groundwater Supplies
Protecting Vulnerable Fish And Wildlife
Preventing Illegal Water Diversions
Additional information on the state's response to drought, along with resources for the public can be found here.
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