California's drought is so so severe, says one water conservation group, that it's time to change the state's flag.

Instead of the lumbering bear walking on plush green grass, the California Water Foundation proposes a camel standing on sand. But all kidding aside, no one should be fooled by the tongue-in-cheek approach to the ongoing drought, said Andrew Fahlund, deputy director of CWF.



"The flag is jarring, and we meant it to be that way, and a reminder of how serious the situation is," he said.



Fahlund argued that the state's growing use of dwindling groundwater supplies is as severe as the drought itself.

"We depend on groundwater for about 40 percent of our needs in good years," he explained. "Now it's up to more than 60 percent because of the drought. We can't keep using it at that rate."

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Just this past weekend, the state legislature voted to approve measures to regulate the pumping of groundwater. They are the first such rules in California's history. The bills target areas where groundwater wells are in danger of being overused.

The legislation gives local land planners two years to create a groundwater sustainability agency, which in turn has up to five years to develop a plan for managing wells and pumping. Those plans can include installing meters and charging fees to curb excessive use.

The measures go to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature. He has 30 days to sign or veto them. Brown has yet to say what he will do.

