(Bloomberg) — California has proposed rules calling for mandatory reductions in water use by municipal agencies as a historic drought drags into a fourth year.

The state's 411 urban water suppliers would have to cut use by as much as 36%, with those that conserved less facing tougher restrictions, the California State Water Resources Control Board said in the proposed rules released Saturday. The board will meet May 5 and 6 to finalize the rules, which would take effect by June 1.

"We're in a drought like we've not seen before," Felicia Marcus, the board's chairwoman, said on a conference call with reporters. "All Californians need to step up more and prepare as if it won't rain or snow much next year either."

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