Hot, inland California cities face the steepest water cuts with new conservation mandate

FACING A FUTURE of shortages, California is entering a new phase of water conservation: Cities and towns must meet new mandates ramping down use over the next 15 years — and some will be hit harder than others. 

Approved earlier this month, the new state rules require 405 cities and other urban suppliers serving 95% of Californians to meet individualized water budgets.