Gov. Brown issues historic mandatory water restrictions

Gov. Jerry Brown announced an executive order Wednesday calling for statewide mandatory water reductions.

The order comes after the lowest snowpack report in California’s history. Brown’s order calls for decreases in water usage, increased waste enforcement, streamlined government response to the current drought and an investment in new technology to make California more drought resilient.

Brown said he’s directing the State Water Resources Control Board to require a 25 percent reduction in water usage in every city and town in the state.

The plan also calls for a change in rate structures for local water agencies in an effort to discourage water waste.

Brown said the order will prioritize water infrastructure projects and simplifies the review process for voluntary water transfers, including emergency drinking water projects.