San Diego County's water agencies could get a break on how much they have to conserve to meet the state's mandated water use cutbacks.
California's state water board is out with a proposal that could significantly reduce how much water the region needs to conserve during the drought.
The draft rules give San Diego credit for building a billion-dollar desalination plant that adds a drought proof supply to the region's water portfolio. San Diego's regional target could drop from 20 percent to 12 percent.
Water districts in hotter regions are also eligible to have their water conservation targets cut back by as much as four percent. Agencies that serve agriculture will be able to deduct that water from use and conservation numbers.
The conversation period is also changing. The draft rules call for restrictions to stay in place through October instead of expiring in February.
The state water board is expected to take up the issue soon.
