State Water Board Approves Emergency Regulation to Increase Water Conservation

Due to the severe continuing drought in California, on July 15, 2015, the State Water Resources Control Board approved emergency regulations to ensure water agencies and their customers conserve outdoor water use or face possible fines.

 Almost 60% of water use is for outdoor landscaping, mostly turf.  Californians will be expected to  stop washing down driveways and sidewalks; watering of outdoor landscapes that cause excess; using a hose to wash a motor vehicle, unless the hose is fitting with using a shut off nozzle and using potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature unless water is circulated.

Local agencies can ask courts to impose fines of up to $500 for failure to adhere to these water restrictions. 

 This emergency regulation will be in place for 270 days.  The State Water Board will revisit this regulation and may enhance the restrictions as the drought continues.

 One way of reducing your outdoor water is to remove turf.  Many water districts are offering rebates to homeowners – as much as $3.00 a square foot – to remove the turf from your property in favor of California friendly plants.  Contact your local water agency for information on turf removal rebates or go to SoCal Water Smart.  LA County is offering free mulch at 11 different locations across the county.  For more information, go to Be Waterwise.    You will save money and our precious water.