Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
First Statewide Ban On Water Use — In Current Drought — Targets Decorative Lawns At Businesses
An aerial view of homes and a park in Agoura Hills. The new restrictions target businesses.
(
Mario Tama
/
Getty Images
)
Get Ready for Summer
-
We're here to help get your outdoor space looking great with practical tips, news and what you need to do to keep conservation in mind.
The State Water Resources Control Board has voted to ban watering of decorative lawns at commercial, industrial and institutional sites.
It's the first statewide water-use restriction in response to the ongoing severe drought.
The move is expected to save as much water as 780,000 homes might use in a year.
Support for LAist comes from
Wade Crowfoot, California's Natural Resources secretary, said water agency leaders pushed for local control on restrictions, but the results, so far, have been disappointing.
"We're going to spend the next 60 days working closely with them to help them activate these emergency drought plans that they've created to improve water conservation," Crowfoot said in an appearance on our newsroom's public affairs show AirTalk, which airs on the radio at 89.3 FM. "And then really come summertime, we're going to reassess."
According to a release from the state, these "Level 2 water shortage contingency plans are meant to address up to a 20% shortage of water supplies."
In addition to implementing Level 2 actions, the regulation requires urban water suppliers to fast-track supply and demand assessments to plan for potential extended dry conditions.
Level 2 actions often include things such as:
Limiting outdoor irrigation to certain days or hours
Increasing patrolling to identify water waste
Enforcing water-use prohibitions
Increasing communication about the importance of water conservation
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is limiting outdoor watering to one day a week — or requiring similar reductions — starting June 1st.
The L.A. City Council is voting Wednesday on whether to restrict outdoor watering to twice a week.
Support for LAist comes from
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning. -
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority. -
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding. -
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45c201e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3894+0+0/resize/786x486!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist