San Benito County residents won’t have to fret much about those new $500 fines approved by the state.
Local water agencies don’t have current plans to enforce the new rules allowing for the fines if residents use excessive water on such activities as washing cars and watering lawns. Instead, they plan to continue their current program focusing on education, said Shawn Novack, water conservation program manager for the Water Resources Association of San Benito County. Novack said a coalition of officials from area water agencies have given him “marching orders” to continue with the outreach focus.
State regulators this week approved those additional fines, giving local municipalities another potential penalty for irresponsible water users. The approval came after Gov. Jerry Brown had already called for a 20 percent voluntary reduction in water use. While the state is experiencing the impacts from the ongoing drought, San Benito County’s groundwater basin volume remains relatively healthy – meaning there isn’t quite the same level of urgency here as in some other areas of the state, Novack pointed out.
“We have chosen to take an educational approach to this rather than being a regulator or something like that,” Novack said. “I think people are more responsive.”
Novack mentioned that one practice in a collaboration among water agencies involves the use of a card – dropped off by field associates for area districts – telling residents to get in contact with the water resources association about ways to reduce use.
He pointed out there are existing laws addressing water use already giving local municipalities the ability to fine residents for such infractions as allowing runoff from properties or irrigation of landscaping from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Look back for more on this story.
TIPS TO CONSERVE WATER:
– Replace old toilets with a new, water-conserving models; did you know that you can save thousands of gallons of water a year with this one simple change
– Make sure showerheads and faucets are water efficient; the Water Conservation Department offers free home water checkups and water conservation kits.
– Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full
– Consider replacing old washing machines with water and energy-conserving front-loading models- save up to 50% on water and electricity costs.
– Check toilets regularly for leaks. We can send you a kit to check for a leak, or we’ll do it for you FREE of charge!
– Repair drips and leaks promptly
– Develop water-conscious habits when showering, shaving, brushing teeth, and washing dishes
– Use a licensed irrigation contractor when installing a landscape irrigation system.
– Limit turf areas.
– Change your irrigation timer with the seasons.
– Practice smart watering.
– Use mulch. To reduce weeds, slow erosion, and reduce moisture loss through evaporation, apply a 2-4-inch layer of mulch or compost over soil around plants.
Source: Water Resources Association of San Benito County
