California drought restrictions lifted after storms.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has rolled back some of the state's most severe drought restrictions and increased water supplies for agencies serving 27 million people after one of the wettest winters on record. The governor rescinded a voluntary 15% reduction in water use and a March 2022 order requiring urban water suppliers to activate Level 2 of their water shortage contingency plans. However, provisions around wasteful use will remain in place, including prohibitions on watering lawns within 48 hours of rainfall and using hoses without shut-off nozzles. The change was welcome news after a grueling, bone-dry three years wrought devastation on the lives and businesses of millions of Californians.