Gov. Newsom Expands Drought Proclamation Statewide by ACWA Staff Oct 20, 2021 Water News Gov. Newsom on Oct. 19 issued a proclamation that expands the state’s drought emergency statewide and urges Californians to increase their water conservation efforts. The proclamation helps local agencies access important resources and supports local planning efforts. It directs local water suppliers to execute their urban Water Shortage Contingency Plans and agricultural Drought Plans based on local conditions that take into account the possibility of a third dry year. In addition, it provides the State Water Resources Control Board with the authority to adopt emergency regulations that prohibit specified wasteful water uses such as the use of potable washing for sidewalks and driveways. A full list of wasteful water uses is in the proclamation. “Today’s announcement by Gov. Newsom reflects his ongoing leadership in responding to the drought based on an understanding that local water supply conditions should drive local drought response actions. This includes his requirement that local water suppliers implement their urban Water Shortage Contingency Plans and agricultural Drought Plans at a level appropriate to local conditions and take into account the possibility of a third consecutive dry year,” said Executive Director Dave Eggerton. In another development, on Sept. 23 Newsom signed a package of climate action bills that authorizes more than $15 billion for climate resilience, including an investment of $5.2 billion over three years to support immediate drought response and long-term water resilience. More information on the funding package is available in an ACWA news release. ACWA also continues to actively encourage members to help their customers reduce water use to, at a minimum, meet the Governor’s voluntary water use reduction of 15% compared to 2020 levels. The Governor’s conservation request was issued in a July 8 Executive Order and applies to residential, industrial, commercial, agricultural and institutional water users. The State Water Board continues to track and report monthly on the state’s progress toward achieving a 15% reduction in statewide urban water use as compared to 2020 use.
