California Regulators Propose Relaxing Water Conservation In Some Cities

FRESNO, Calif. (AP) - State regulators say they're considering relaxing conservation targets that have required some California communities to cut use by 25 percent during historic drought.

Max Gomberg of the State Water Resources Control Board said Monday that inland communities in hot regions and those that use new sources, such as recycled water and new desalination plants, could be eligible for lowered conservation requirements.

He says that the state's overall water conservation target could drop to about 22 percent if all the eligible water agencies apply for adjustments.

California is in a historic four-year drought.

Gov. Jerry Brown this year ordered residents statewide to cutback by one-quarter with each community given an individual target.

Communities that have invested in new water sources to protect them in drought say their strict conservation targets are not fair.