For the first time in years, Ojai Valley residents won’t be required to curb their water use or risk fines. Starting in June, the Casitas Municipal Water District plans to end its mandatory water conservation measures and stiff penalties — ones in place for the past eight years in the drought-stressed region. The Casitas board unanimously approved the move at a meeting this week. After reaching historic lows in recent years, Lake Casitas rebounded over the past few months. The reservoir provides water to the Ojai Valley and parts of Ventura, and had reached 71% of capacity by Friday.

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