Despite early winter storms, the State Water Resources Control Board on Tuesday adopted an emergency regulation that prohibits certain wasteful water use practices statewide and encourages Californians to monitor their water use more closely while building habits to use water wisely.
Among the wasteful water practices included are irrigating ornamental landscapes when it’s raining, using potable water to clean hard surfaces or driveways, and the use of ornamental fountains.
The prohibitions apply to specific uses and apply to all water users, including individuals, businesses, and public agencies, and can be enforced through warning letters, water audits, or fines. The prohibitions will remain in place for one year unless extended, modified, or removed.
The regulation stems from Governor Newsom’s Emergency Drought Proclamation on October 19, 2021, which expanded the drought emergency statewide and encouraged the State Water Board to supplement voluntary conservation measures by prohibiting certain wasteful water uses.
“Climate change is challenging us to build drought resilience in our water infrastructure and management practices and at an individual level in our daily habits,” E. Joaquin Esquivel, chair of the State Water Board, said. “Prohibiting wasteful water practices increases awareness of water as a precious resource no matter what type of weather we are experiencing in a given moment, because weather extremes are now part of our climate reality.”
The emergency regulation takes effect within ten days once approved by the Office of Administrative Law and filed with the Secretary of State.
