NewsCalifornia Drought

In drought-ravaged California, water use is up dramatically

Officials: Usage jumped nearly 19% in March
New water restrictions imposed as California faces drought emergency
California Drought Water Restrictions
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California's water usage jumped nearly 19% in March. State officials said Tuesday it's the most water used in one month since 2015.

Gov. Gavin Newsom had asked residents last year to use 15% less water in the middle of a severe drought. Since July, the state has cuts it's water use by just 3.7%.

Newsom responded to the news by pledging to spend an extra $26 million on water conservation programs. That's in addition to the $190 million he proposed in January.

In Los Angeles, Mayor Eric Garcetti announced residents and businesses would have to reduce outdoor landscape watering from three days per week to two.



Bakersfield, CA

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11/14/2026

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11/19/2026

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11/20/2026

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11/21/2026

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