California's New Emergency Drought Rules Require More Restrictions, Fines

Although some cities in California already have mandatory water restrictions in place, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted drought regulations this week that direct water agencies to ban wasteful practices.

1 minute read

July 16, 2014, 9:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Saying that it was time to increase conservation in the midst of one of the worst droughts in decades, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted drought regulations that give local agencies the authority to fine those who waste water up to $500 a day," reports Bettina Boxall.

"The emergency rules, expected to take effect Aug. 1, don’t order cities to slash water use by a certain amount. Rather they direct agencies to — at a minimum — ban wasteful practices such as allowing runoff from outdoor sprinklers, hosing down driveways and sidewalks and using drinking water in ornamental fountains that don’t recirculate."

Tuesday, July 15, 2014 in Los Angeles Times

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