A second straight wet winter may be in store for California, but state water regulators are turning their attention to the prospect of long-term water shortages, with plans for permanent statewide restrictions. Under a first-of-its-kind proposal, about 400 cities and suppliers, including most in the Bay Area, will soon have to meet state-mandated targets on water use, requiring some to cut consumption by 20% or more within two years, regardless of how wet or dry it is. Fines for violators could run as high as $10,000 per day. … On Wednesday, the state water board is holding a workshop to hear public comment on the plan, which is dubbed Making Conservation a California Way of Life. A final policy is expected to be in place next year.

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