Gov. Newsom visits Lopez Lake to discuss statewide drought

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. - Governor Gavin Newsom was in San Luis Obispo County Thursday morning to discuss the ongoing drought in California.

Newsom visited the county for the second time since March.

This time he spoke at Lopez Lake to talk about the worsening drought in California

"These conditions are familiar to many Californians as a consequence … we have conservation as a way of life," said Newsom.

He’s asking people and businesses to cut how much water they use.

"We are hopeful that people will take that mindset right into the last row and extend it forward with a 15% voluntary reduction," said Newsom.

Newsom spoke in front of a Lopez Lake reservoir that's at just 35 percent capacity thanks to the ongoing drought.

The Governor's request also comes in light of the summer’s heat waves, worsening the state’s drought conditions.

He hopes people will  voluntarily conserve water by taking shorter showers, minimizing the use of dishwashers … and reduce watering lawns.

"By the way you do those things you also save money … It’s an opportunity to not only save water … and help us work through these drought conditions … this is an opportunity for you to save money as well," said Newsom.

Newsom announced Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties were added to the state's emergency drought proclamation.

48 other counties are also under that proclamation.

In total, 50 of the state's 58 counties are included in the emergency proclamation.