This small desert city was supposed to rival Los Angeles. Today, it has less than 15,000 people. That history is part of why it's difficult for the city to save water today.
In the last month of mandatory water restrictions, Californians saved 28% compared to May 2013. Going forward, agencies will set their own water cutback targets if necessary.
Originally, the L.A. Department of Water and Power expected to use drinking water to fill the lake, but the ongoing drought has the agency looking to other sources, like runoff or recycled water.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power says it won't be continuing with state-mandated water conservation but will continue to encourage residents to save water under city conservation targets.
A number of water providers say they have enough supply to meet demand over three more years of drought. They're telling the state they don't need a set conservation goal.
The State Water Resources Control Board is requiring all water wholesalers to guarantee they have enough water for the next three years of drought. Their plans are due Wednesday.
Proposed drought regulations come as nearly 90 percent of California is still in drought conditions, despite El Niño storms that have left a healthy snowpack and brimming reservoirs.
