California Passes Tough New Water Conservation Regulations
On July 15, 2014 the California State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) unanimously approved sweeping emergency regulations to ensure water agencies, their customers and state residents increase water conservation or face possible fines or legal action.
The new conservation regulation is intended to reduce outdoor urban water use. The regulation, adopted by the State Water Board, mandates minimum actions to conserve water supplies. Most Californians use more water outdoors than indoors. In some areas, 50 percent or more of daily water use is for lawns and outdoor landscaping.
The new resolution gets tough on water wasters. Individuals, businesses and government agencies can be prosecuted for criminal infraction and subject to “a fine of up to five hundred dollars ($500) for each day in which the violation occurs.” Water agencies that violate cease and desist orders are subject to civil liability of up to $10,000 a day.
You can read the fact sheet here.
You can read the full text of the resolution here.
The adopted resolution goes into effect August 1, 2014 and remains in effect for 270 days.
