California Water Regulators Agree to Tighten Restrictions

State water regulators agree to tighter water restrictions that will change the way everyone in California uses water.

Tuesday night, the State Water Resources Board agreed with the governor, saying mandatory cuts are needed because many cities are not getting it done on their own.

The new regulations are leading to protest, especially from those who say green lawns are needed to protect homes close to fire-prone areas.

Marc Marcantonio from the Yorba Linda Water District says, "Reducing this irrigating to meet our goal not only puts public health and safety at risk, but also creates a financial hardship to a lot of our residents."

"This is about preparing for a drought that we now know can go beyond what we’ve seen in this century," explains CA Water Control Board member Felicia Marcus.

Most Valley cities are already cutting back, including Fresno. Clovis and Visalia have a plan to cut its water use by 36 percent. 

The new regulations will start June 1st.