After the driest January on record and dire predictions of the worst and most persistent drought in 1,000 years , California is once again cracking down on water wasters and reminding residents that water rationing may be a way of life for years to come. The State Water Resources Control Board sounded an alarm this week by mandating tougher restrictions, forcing local water agencies that don’t already limit outdoor watering to institute a two-days-a-week maximum. All restaurants are now required to serve water only upon request and hotels must offer guests the option of not having towels and linens laundered every day. A majority of the state’s 415 urban water districts already have drought emergency plans , but the state’s call to action is expected to generate tougher rules and stiffer enforcement statewide. Thursday, Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to announce $1 billion in emergency drought funding. […]