The Latest: California lets local water districts set saving

FRESNO, Calif. – The Latest on California water conservation during drought (all times local):

5:10 p.m.

California has decided to let hundreds of local water districts set their own conservation goals after a wet winter eased the drought in some parts of the state.

The State Water Resources Control Board met Wednesday in Sacramento and lifted its statewide conservation order calling for a 20 per cent savings.

The new rules allow more than 400 local water districts to set conservation targets for residents and businesses.

The districts will set their goals based on supply and demand, assuming dry conditions will stretch for three years.

Californians have saved a year’s worth of water for 6.5 million residents since statewide conservation started last year.

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2:40 p.m.

Officials with water districts throughout drought-stricken California say they support a proposed move to put the agencies in control of conservation after a wet winter eased conditions in some parts of the state.

The State Water Resources Control Board is meeting Wednesday in Sacramento to decide whether it will drop conservation measures now required statewide.

The proposal being considered would allow districts to determine how much water their residential and business customers must save in light of local supply and demand.

Shannon Catullo of the South Tahoe Public Utility District and other officials told the board they favour the plan.

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11:20 p.m.

California water officials say they will consider dropping a mandate requiring conservation in the state’s fifth year of drought.

The State Water Resources Control Board on Wednesday will vote on whether to give local water districts control of setting their own conservation targets.

California is in a fifth year of drought. Near-average rain and snowfall this winter in Northern California lifted key reservoirs. Southern California, however, missed out on much of the precipitation.

Max Gomberg of the state water board says he believes Californians understand the severity of drought and will continue conserving.

Southern California landscaper Greg Gritters says he welcomes the change that gives local water authorities more control.