October 2014, Vol. 69, No. 10
WaterWorks
California Approves Fines For Water-Wasters
As reported by the Associated Press, California water regulators voted in August to approve fines up to $500 a day for residents who waste water on lawns, landscaping and car washing, as a report showed that consumption throughout the state has actually risen amid the worst drought in nearly four decades.
The action by the State Water Quality Control Board came after its own survey showed that conservation measures to date have failed to achieve the 20 percent reduction in water use sought by Governor Jerry Brown.
Survey results released before the 4-0 vote showed water consumption throughout California had actually jumped by 1 percent this past May compared to the same month in previous years.
The fines will apply only to wasteful outdoor watering, including washing a vehicle without a nozzle on the hose or hosing down hard surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways.
The rules give cities and water districts wide latitude on how the fines will be implemented. The full $500-a-day fine could be reserved for repeat violators, for example, while others might receive warnings or smaller fines.
The rules include exemptions for public health and safety, such as allowing cities to power-wash sidewalks to get rid of human waste left by homeless people.
If fines don’t work, the board would consider other steps, such as requiring water districts to stop leaks in their pipes, which account for an estimated 10 percent of water use, stricter landscape restrictions and encouraging water agencies to boost rates for consumers who use more than their share of water.
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