Conserving H2O isn’t that hard – and we have to cut back now. The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) officially declared mandatory rationing this afternoon.

According to their pronouncement, 19% cut-backs are required by single family homeowners, 11% by apartment dwellers, and 30% by anyone watering lawns and gardens.

EBMUD means business. If you don’t cut at least half that amount, they will levy fines too.

This weekend, start getting prepared. Go get some low-volume shower heads. If you can afford it, replace your older commodes. And start to do xeriscaping, which actually looks like fun.

We should make “going brown” feel like a badge of honor.