In its efforts to promote water conservation, the State Water Control Board unanimously adopted emergency regulations to impose fines of up to $500 for each day a violation occurs.
“It is terrible that California is in this avoidable predicament,” said Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber). “Through planning and infrastructure as provided by Proposition 1, we can prevent such dire situations in the future.”
“Building new water storage facilities like Sites Reservoir and Temperance Flats will allow our citizens to access water during drought years.”
Today’s vote means residents must adhere to the following restrictions:
- Outdoor watering to two days per week
- No landscape watering that causes runoff
- Use of a hose when washing vehicles unless it is fitted with a nozzle
- No watering of driveway or sidewalk
- No landscape watering during and up to 48 hours after a rainfall
- Restaurants can only serve water upon request
- Hotel guests can choose to opt out of towels and linens laundered daily
Homeowners who are required to wash their homes by their homeowners associations can breathe a sigh of relief during this drought. Under a law authored by Senator Nielsen, HOAs cannot fine homeowners who responsibly avoid using water to power-wash their houses and driveways as required by the HOAs.
For more information, residents are encouraged to review the regulations by visiting the State Water Control Board’s website:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/press_room/press_releases/2015.shtml
