New Water Use Policies Announced for California Amid Growing Drought

California implemented its strictest water conservation measures since the 2012-2016 drought, requiring urban areas to cut water use by 20% and imposing outdoor watering restrictions. The agricultural sector faces historic cuts with zero allocations from major water projects, forcing fallowing of farmland and costly groundwater pumping. Industrial users must meet efficiency targets while investments in water recycling and desalination accelerate, though environmental concerns persist. Emergency supplies from federal reservoirs helped ease shortages temporarily, but water rates rose sharply, especially for heavy users. The state is also expanding programs for smart meters, native landscaping incentives and residential water banking as part of a long-term strategy to address worsening drought conditions driven by climate change.