Late this week, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) released Draft Emergency Water Conservation Regulations in light of the current drought. The proposed 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 by 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; and,
- Using potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is recirculated.
Violations of the prohibited activities are considered infractions, and punishable by fines of $500 for each day in which the violation occurs. The State Water Board will consider adoption of the proposed statewide emergency regulations at their July 15, 2014 Board meeting. Detailed information on the proposed regulations can be accessed here.
For additional information, please contact RCRC Legislative Advocate Kathy Mannion at (916) 447-4806 or kmannion@rcrcnet.org.