2014 Drought: Fines, California Water Ban

A proposal by California officials to fine people up to $500 a day for  unnecessary water use that includes operating a water fountain, watering lawns, washing cars, among other things, went into effect late Tuesday.

The State Water Resources Control Board  approved the ban, according to USAToday.com, "after revised figures showed that residents have increased [water] consumption despite calls for big cutbacks amid the state's severe drought."

Gov. Jerry Brown earlier this year had issued a drought emergency asking residents to scale back water use by 20 percent.  Estimates suggest that the restrictions put in place Tuesday night would save water for 3.5 million people for a year, which is only about nine percent of the population, reports said.

And things aren't expected to get any better USAToday.com reports, "The agency has reported that 80% of the state is experiencing "exceptional drought conditions," reservoirs are low, and nearly 50 communities are in danger of running out of water. The drought, the worst in decades, will stretch into next year, regardless of whether El Nino storm systems bring extra-heavy winter rain and snow."

And example of a California city that has had to step up drought emergency efforts is  San Diego.  On July 1 the city entered the first stage of drought alert, a Level 1. The Association of California Water Agencies reported that the restrictions that kicked in at that point included: "Water no more than three days per week, in addition to permanent irrigation restrictions that mandate watering before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. in the summer and after 4 p.m. in the winter.  Wash vehicles before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. in the summer, using recycled water for construction purposes, when available and limiting the use of fire hydrants to firefighting, construction, health and safety."

The restrictions only increased with the state's approved ban on outdoor watering, which doesn't allow residents to wash driveways, sidewalks, patios, or paved areas with water hoses.  It's the summer, but "overfilling of pools and spas is also prohibited," the agency said. As well as a night out at the a restaurant.  "Only serve or refill water for patrons upon request."