Grappling with drought conditions , California officials on Tuesday approved statewide emergency water restrictions . The restrictions are the first of their kind statewide , California Water Board spokesman George Kostyrko said , and will affect lawn watering , car washing , hosing down driveways and ornamental fountains . Infractions could bring a fine of $ 500 per day . Gov . Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency for California in January . State officials say last year was one of California 's driest years ever . Drought-ravaged California turns to tech for help . How oceans can solve our freshwater crisis .
New restrictions will affect lawn care and car washing across California . They 're the first of their kind in the state , which is dealing with a major drought . Sen . Jerry Brown declared a drought beginning in June .