California’s drought is worsening by the day and state officials are dealing with the problem by imposing stringent new restrictions on residents’ water use.

To reduce the severity of the drought and promote water conservation, the state Water Resources Control Board has enacted temporary emergency rules to fine individuals who are found to be using water excessively. The fine is a maximum $500/day. This is the first time the state has imposed mandatory statewide restrictions and fines on residential outdoor water use.

The regulations prohibit:

• Washing down any hard surface, such as a driveway, patio or sidewalk.
• Landscape watering that runs off into adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways or parking lots.
• Washing a car with a hose unless the hose has a shut-off nozzle.
• Using potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is recirculated.