California drought

Water departments had the option to choose between an outdoor watering limit of one day per week or by volume of water used.

Less than a year ago, California declared an end to a five-year drought, but a lack of winter precipitation is bringing new worries.

Getty Images photographer Justin Sullivan's "before-and-after" images show how recent rains in California swelled formerly dry reservoirs and turned brown landscapes green.

Still, the state will retain some rules it placed on water use during the years-long drought. "This drought emergency is over," Brown said Friday, "but the next drought could be around the corner."

California is expected to begin easing sweeping water use and drought restrictions after an extraordinary winter of storms. But a fierce debate rages over whether the rules should become permanent.

For the first time since January of 2014, no part of California is in the "exceptional drought" category, according to a U.S. Drought Monitor report.

The extended drought in California has farmers looking for ways to use less water. Among them, growing feed indoors using hydroponics. The new diet is making some Central Valley sheep very happy.

Serious algae outbreaks have hit more than 20 states this summer. Algae blooms aren't unusual. But the frequency, size and toxicity now are worse than ever, and changes in climate are partly to blame.

After more than a week, a 38,000-acre wildfire on the California coast is still growing, and authorities warn it could burn through August even after it is contained.

The body of a man was found in an area burned by a 33,000 acre wildfire north of Los Angeles. The Sand Fire has destroyed more than a dozen homes and is one of 19 major fires burning in California.

Amid a persistent drought, Gov. Jerry Brown is permanently banning wasteful water practices like hosing pavement. His executive order does allow some districts to loosen water restrictions, though.

Officials in Fort Bragg also ordered restaurants to serve water to customers only upon request. As part of a stage 3 water emergency, things like washing cars using city water are prohibited, too.