(Reuters) - California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday warned he would order strict cutbacks on water usage statewide if businesses and residents did not slash their own consumption in the face of a severe drought.
Newsom issued the ultimatum during a meeting a meeting with California's largest water agencies ahead of what experts worry could be another hot, dry summer on the heels of more than three years of drought.
"Every water agency across the state needs to take more aggressive actions to communicate about the drought emergency and implement conservation measures,” Newsom said, according to a transcript of his remarks issued by his office.
Already the Metropolitan Water District in Southern California has ordered residents of Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties to water lawns and gardens no more than twice a week.
The agency said it would fine residents $2,000 if they are caught watering lawns too often.