California’s required statewide water cuts kick in

California on Monday officially began its unprecedented effort to conserve water in the midst of a fourth year of severe drought, marching out orders for communities statewide to make reductions of up to 36 percent.

The mandates hit hardest in areas that have used more water in the past, such as lavish Southern California zip codes like Beverly Hills and Malibu, as well as wealthy suburban Bay Area enclaves like Hillsborough, Atherton and Woodside. Each faces the top tier of cuts on the state’s 4 percent to 36 percent scale of reductions — measured against 2013 water use — with fines of up to $10,000 a day for falling short.

However, few places go unaffected by the state’s action. Even relatively water-thrifty spots in San Jose and the East Bay are under directives to significantly cut their water use.

Most communities, despite concern from residents, are leaving the legwork to customers — in the form of strict outdoor watering rules, mandatory household water reductions and even pre-assigned monthly water budgets.

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Drought-Statewide-water-cuts-begin-Monday-6299446.php