Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday that California will be rolling back some of its statewide drought restrictions and increasing water supplies for agencies serving 27 million people. This comes after one of California’s wettest winters on record, which has helped to replenish reservoirs and ease drought fears after three consecutive years of severe drought. Newsom declared a statewide drought emergency in October 2021 and implemented a voluntary 15% reduction in water use. However, he has since rescinded this call, along with other orders requiring urban water suppliers to activate Level 2 of their water shortage contingency plans. Despite this, some provisions will remain in place, such as the prohibition on watering lawns within 48 hours of rainfall and a ban on watering nonfunctional turf at commercial and industrial properties. Newsom emphasized the need to remain vigilant about water usage and conserve where possible, as volatile weather patterns continue to threaten water supplies. Reports show that the snow-capped Sierra Nevada and Santa Monica Mountains are among the areas no longer considered to be in drought. California’s vast network of reservoirs, canals, and dams that act as a major component of the state’s water system, known as the State Water Project, will now provide agencies that supply water to millions with 75% of requested supplies.