California announced sweeping statewide water restrictions for the first time in history Wednesday in order to combat the region's devastating drought, the worst since records began.
Governor Jerry Brown issued the declaration at a press conference in a parched, brown slope of the Sierra Nevada mountains that would normally be covered by deep snow.
The executive order issued by Brown would aim to achieve a 25 percent reduction in water usage across cities and towns throughout California by a combination of measures.
The reductions would be achieved by ramping up enforcement to prevent wasteful water use, while investing in technologies designed to make California more drought-resilient.
The State Water Resources Control Board, which manages California's water supply, would be tasked with achieving the reduction.
The order also set out new measures to reduce water use, including the replacement of 50 million square feet (4.6 million square meters) of lawns with drought-tolerant landscaping.
A statewide consumer rebate program would also be set up to encourage individuals to replace old appliances with modern, water and energy efficient models.
The measure orders campuses, golf courses, cemeteries and other large consumers of water to significantly cut use.
New homes and developments would also be banned from using potable water for sprinkler systems unless water-efficient drip irrigation systems are used.
Environmental experts welcomed the measures but cautioned it remained to be seen how effective they would be.
PHOTO: A resident holds a can of water donated by the Anheuser-Busch company as water wells supplying hundreds of residents remain dry in the worsening drought on February 11, 2015 in East Porterville, California.
CREDIT: AFP Photo/David Mcnew.