Gov. Brown Issues Executive Order Bolstering Water Conservation Orders

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — Governor Jerry Brown has issued an executive order to continue water savings as the drought persists.

The order expands on existing statewide emergency restrictions by mandating monthly water use reporting, establishing permanent use standards, and implementing bans on wasteful practices, such as hosing down sidewalks and driveways.

Between last June and March, Californians reduced water use by nearly 24 percent compared to the same months in 2013 and 2014, enough for 6.5 millions residents for one year.

Governor Brown says Californians have stepped up like never before; but, with 5 years of drought conditions, conservation must become a way of life.

Recent figures show that while some parts of the state have seen significant improvement, much of the Central Valley remains in an exceptional drought.