Californians asked to cut water use by 15% as drought ravages the state

The governor has only requested, not ordered, the restriction as reservoirs have dwindled to dangerously low levels

California's governor has asked people and businesses to voluntarily cut their water use by 15% as the western US weathers a devastating drought.

Gavin Newsom's request is not an order, but it demonstrates the growing challenges of a drought that will only worsen throughout the summer and fall and is tied to recent heatwaves. Reservoirs across the state, which are depended on for agriculture, drinking water and fish habitat, have dwindled to dangerously low levels and some counties have already enacted mandatory water restrictions.