California drought: governor makes certain water-wasting bans permanent

As the drought persists Governor Jerry Brown has made some water conservation measures permanent, such as a ban on overwatering lawns

Governor Jerry Brown has ordered California to adopt permanent water conservation measures in response to a devastating five-year drought, including long-term bans on wasteful practices and mandatory reporting rules.

While the drought has become less severe in recent months - leading some communities and water agencies to abandon strict restrictions - Brown's executive order on Monday made clear that the drought was not over and that California must transition its short-term emergency measures into a permanent conservation plan.