California Proposes Restrictions to Ease Record Drought

California issued proposed rules calling for mandatory reductions in water use by municipal agencies as a historic drought drags into a fourth year.

The state’s 411 urban water suppliers would have to cut use by as much as 36 percent, with those that conserved less facing tougher restrictions and a daily penalty of as much as $500 for not complying, the California State Water Resources Control Board said in the proposed rules released Saturday. The board will meet May 5 and 6 to finalize the rules, which would take effect by June 1.