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| California Drought 2014 |
Tuesday, July 15, 2014 the State Water Resources Control Board passed emergency regulations to make sure that water agencies and residents of California expand water conservation. The goal is to reduce the urban water use since more water is used outdoors than indoors in many California homes. Depending on the location, more than 50% more water is used for lawns and outdoor gardening needs than indoors.
RESIDENT AND BUSINESS REGULATIONS OUTLINED:
1. NO washing down driveways and sidewalks
2. NO watering outdoor landscape that causes excess runoff
3. NO washing cars unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle
4. NO using potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature UNLESS the water is recirculated.
The State Water Board went so far as to suggest neighbors report each other if they are seen breaking the new regulations. If the act is caught on video or photo then the person could be given a fine for over using water.
FINES MAY RANGE FROM $500 TO $10,000 A DAY.
WATER AGENCIES NEW REGULATIONS:
1. Are required to begin their Water Shortage Contingency Plan or create one if they do not already have it in place.
2. Water suppliers must report water usage every month so that it can be tracked.
In addition to the new regulations, the State Water Board asked water suppliers, communities, and businesses to fix leaks and other things that create water loss, to use recycled water, to try to capture rain water, and find ways to pass incentives for reducing water use to their customers.
Resources:
Desert Plant Stock Photo by James Barker. published on August 31, 2008, Stock Photo- image ID: 100331
California Water Boards: Media Release
Sacramento Today, California Drought: Emergency Regulations Approved posted July 16, 2014
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