California Water Suppliers to Face Daily Fine If Consumers Fail to Cut Back

New regulations from the California water board give suppliers conservation guidelines that could force already water-conscious consumers to be even more stingy in the decades ahead. The State Water Resources Control Board approved the new guidelines July 3. The water-use estimates were designed to give suppliers the flexibility to find locally appropriate solutions to conserve water, the board said. Violations of the new state framework could result in fines on the supplier of up to $1,000 per day and up to $10,000 per day during drought conditions. The board could also issue informational orders, written notices, and conservation orders before fining suppliers. Data from the board projected estimated cutbacks for each water district. For example, the Los Angeles City Department of Water and Power is expected to reduce water use by 5–10 percent by 2040....