SEE THE UPDATE in the July 18, 2014 edition of The Mountain Enterprise on newsstands now.
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The State Water Resources Control Board will consider on Tuesday, July 15 imposing significant fines upon individuals who violate a new set of restrictions on water usage.
The SWRCB notice states: “To promote water conservation statewide, the emergency regulations would prohibit each of the following, except in case of health or safety needs or to comply with a term or condition in a permit issued a state or federal agency:
• The direct application of water to any hard surface for washing;
• Watering of outdoor landscapes that cause runoff to adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots or structures;
• Using a hose to wash an automobile, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle;
• Using potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is recirculated.”
Violations would be punishable by fines of $500 for each day in which the violation occurs. Any employee of a public agency charged with enforcing laws would be authorized to write and issue a ticket to the violator, according to the notice.
Large water suppliers (more than 3,000 connections) can be fined up to $10,000 per day for failing to take mandatory actions which include establishment of a Water Shortage Contingency Plan that meets requirements of the water code.
The notice does not mention a fine amount for smaller water suppliers (under 3,000 connections), but does state that smaller suppliers would be required to limit outdoor irrigation to no more than two days per week if the proposed restrictions are passed on July 15.
Written comments are due by 12 noon on July 14, 2014. Comments are to be sent via e-mail to the Clerk to the Board at commentletters@waterboards.ca.gov. Please indicate in the subject line, “7/15-16/14 BOARD MEETING (Emergency Regulations for Water Conservation).”
The results of the board’s deliberations and any vote on the matter will be published in the next edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
This is part of the July 11, 2014 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.
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