New rules for water waste, but $500 fines unlikely here

CHICO >> New statewide rules are on the way to curb the easiest-to-change water-wasting habits. However, local water agencies aren't hiring water cops to hand out $500 fines.

What the new rules have done is call people's attention to the seriousness of the drought and provided a clear list of really bad water use behavior.

Last week the State Water Resources Control Board voted for statewide emergency drought regulations including:

Don't allow water to run down your walkway, down the street or onto structures.

If you wash your car, use a shut-off nozzle so the hose doesn't run while you're scrubbing.

Don't use a hose to wash off driveways and sidewalks.

If you have a fountain, make sure it has a system for the water to recirculate.

Also, cities or water companies need to have a plan with triggers in place that include water restrictions.

Local water agencies reached said they have these in place.

The main point of the four rules is to avoid what "no one should be doing," said Paul Gosselin, manager of Butte County Department of Water and Resource Conservation.

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New rules for water waste, but $500 fines unlikely here