Governor Gavin Newsom is expanding California's drought emergency to the entire state.
The Democrat's move Tuesday comes after the second driest year in the golden state's history. The proclamation requires local water suppliers to have water contingency plans in place and gives the state power to prohibit wasteful practices. “As the western U.S. faces a potential third year of drought, it’s critical that Californians across the state redouble our efforts to save water in every way possible,” Newsom said in a statement. “With historic investments and urgent action, the state is moving to protect our communities, businesses and ecosystems from the immediate impacts of the drought emergency while building long-term water resilience to help the state meet the challenge of climate change impacts making droughts more common and more severe.”
Newsom asked people and businesses back in July to voluntarily cut how much water they use by 15%. As of August, California reduced urban water use by 5%, according to the State Water Resources Control Board. Newsom's proclamation also requires local water suppliers to implement water shortage contingency plans "that are responsive to local conditions and prepare for the possibility of a third dry year."