Brown Issues Permanent Water Limits

On the same day that Gov. Jerry Brown sought to make water conservation a way of life for Californians by permanently banning some wasteful practices, regulators in Sacramento prepared to significantly ease the current drought restrictions for urban residents and businesses.

Brown issued an executive order Monday that places an indefinite moratorium on hosing off sidewalks and driveways, as well as washing cars with hoses that don’t have a shut-off valve. All fountains and decorative water features must use recirculated water, and watering lawns is restricted for 48 hours after a rainfall.