Water Guzzlers Face More Fines, Public Shaming Under New State Law

Despite five years of record drought, many Californians have not been required to cut their water use. Some wielded a heavy hand at the tap, enjoying green lawns and showy landscapes even as water supplies dried up. This could soon change. If the rains fall short this winter — or whenever the next bad drought descends on California — households are in for a far more serious crackdown on water waste.