But those living in the more affluent parts of the state are not doing their part according to an investigation by the Los Angeles Times.
In the Beverly Hills area, the paper notes, are “deep green front lawns stretched out and dotted with healthy trees and sculpted foliage,” with the only brown spot a house still under construction.
The richer areas of the state use much more water per capita compared to less-wealthy areas — 150 gallons per day compared to 44 gallons in East L.A.
Some of the wealthier communities are starting to take notice and stepping up, ordering restrictions themselves and fining those who don’t follow the rules.
Some residents say it’s going to take a while for people to really pay attention.
“In this part of town, everyone is just too important to see outside themselves,” Beverly Hills resident Kay Dangaard tells the LA Times. “Where are these people going to go with all their money when the water is gone?”
Water restrictions in Beverly Hills, for instance, are still voluntary, although city officials say that may change as the drought continues.
A recent geological report concludes that the drought in California is so bad that there is barely a year’s supply of water left in the entire state.
