California makes water-saving rules permanent

California is making permanent a set of water-saving rules it temporarily implemented two years ago, even as some areas in the state have seen the most rain in years.

Gov. Jerry Brown (D) on Monday made permanent a series of rules that includes restrictions on watering lawns, washing pavement and cars, and using ornamental fountains.

{mosads}Brown said the Golden State’s residents need to realize water conservation is becoming a regular part of life.

“Californians stepped up during this drought and saved more water than ever before,” Brown said in a statement. “But now we know that drought is becoming a regular occurrence and water conservation must be a part of our everyday life.”

The state in recent years has been under the worst drought in centuries, leading to the strictest water-use rules in the nation.

Southern California is still in a severe drought. But due in part to an El Nino weather pattern, Northern California last winter saw more rain than it has received in five years. 

Brown’s order said nothing of a separate set of rules instituted last year that requires cities and areas to reach specific water-use reduction goals.