Turlockers and any Californians who waste the state’s precious water are about to face some mandatory hefty fines should they get caught.
The California State Water Resources Board unanimously approved a statewide $500 fine Tuesday for Californians who waste water on landscaping, fountains, and washing vehicles.
Fines for water wasters will be implemented in cases where residents water landscaping to the point that runoff flows into gutters and onto sidewalks. Also residents who wash vehicles without a nozzle on the hose, and those who hose down sidewalks and driveways could be fined.
According to the State Water Board, Californians have failed to cut back on the 20 percent reduction goal urged by Governor Jerry Brown, and in fact have actually increased consumption 1 percent statewide during May versus past years.
Of course exemptions for public health and safety are included for cities.
"Our goal here is to light a fire under those who aren't yet taking the drought seriously," State Water Board Chair Felicia Marcus said.
Marcus also said city and suburban residents are not fully aware of the seriousness of the three-year statewide drought — the worst since the mid 1970s.
The State Water Board estimates the restrictions could save enough water statewide to supply 3.4 million residents for one year.
