In a stark reminder of California's ongoing water crisis, Governor Jerry Brown delivered a historic directive standing on what should have been a snow-covered Sierra Nevada field, instead reduced to dry, brown grass. The setting emphasized the state's extreme drought conditions, prompting the governor to order mandatory water restrictions, including a 25% reduction in urban water usage across California. This move marks the first time in state history that such mandatory measures have been implemented.
The voluntary 20% water cut requested by the governor a year earlier failed to achieve its target, and California now faces the consequences of its fourth consecutive year of severe drought. The April 1 snowpack measurement, typically a vital water source for the state, was the lowest in over 60 years, further underscoring the need for urgent action.
Key Changes Ordered by Governor Brown:
- Urban Water Use Cuts: Cities across the state must reduce their water consumption by 25%, aiming to bring urban water usage down to 2013 levels.
- Median Strip Watering Ban: Cities will no longer be permitted to water the grassy medians that run along roadways.
- Drought-Tolerant Landscaping: The state will collaborate with local water agencies to remove 50 million square feet of grass (approximately 1,150 football fields' worth) and replace it with drought-resistant plants and landscaping, including artificial grass.
- Rebate Programs: Homeowners will be incentivized to replace water-intensive appliances with high-efficiency ones through temporary rebate programs.
- Water Use Restrictions: Golf courses, cemeteries, and college campuses will need to reduce their water use, and new developments will be required to install drip or micro-spray irrigation systems.
- Water Rate Hikes: Water agencies will be permitted to raise rates and fees to discourage waste.
Governor Brown emphasized that these changes reflect a new reality for California: "It’s a different world, and we have to act differently." Despite focusing on urban areas, which use a smaller portion of the state's water compared to agriculture, the measures seek to address immediate and long-term water concerns.
The California Water Resources Control Board will draft regulations in mid-April to guide the implementation of the executive order, with a final version expected in early May. Local water agencies that have been slow to implement conservation measures will feel the greatest pressure, with the possibility of fines up to $10,000 per day for non-compliance.
Though some critics argue that the order does not sufficiently address the agricultural sector's substantial water consumption, the state stresses that everyone must play a role in mitigating the crisis. As Felicia Marcus, chair of the Water Resources Control Board, stated, “It’s about everybody having to step up in these tough times.”
Artificial grass is emerging as a key solution in maintaining the green landscapes California is known for while significantly reducing water usage. By replacing water-dependent lawns with artificial turf, homeowners and municipalities can help conserve precious resources during this unprecedented drought.