California Adopts First Permanent Statewide Water Conservation Framework

The water supply cuts will go into effect in January 2025, affecting hundreds of urban retail water suppliers serving 95 percent of Californians.

Water flows from a tap in San Anselmo, Calif., on July 6, 2023. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

California has adopted a historic statewide water conservation plan, affecting hundreds of urban retail water suppliers—that serve 95 percent of Californians—to increase water savings by 2040.

The State Water Resources Control Board, a five-member agency made up of appointees by the governor, approved the new rules July 3.