In April, 2015, the Governor of California announced new mandatory rules aimed at conserving water in the drought-ridden state for the first time in history. The mandate includes statewide water limitations and the introduction of reform programs on water use by Californians. The restrictions come on the heels of the summer season, when the drought worsened after reaching record levels this past winter.
The primary initiative of the plan is imposing a 25 percent reduction in California’s 400 local water supply agencies over the next year. The affected agencies supply water to over 90 percent of California’s population. This proposal is considered far-reaching given the cumulative water savings last summer, which totaled only 8.6 percent according to the State Water Resources Control Board.
Details of compliance will be monitored by the individual water agencies, but differing thresholds for water reduction will be enforced for various users, including homeowners, businesses, farms and golf courses. In addition, required cuts will vary from community to community, reflecting the per capita use of residents from last year. Thus, water districts with the highest use levels during that period would be subject to the most drastic cuts. Penalties may be enforced in cases of non-compliance with water reduction targets.
Various businesses, in addition to homeowners, will be significantly affected by the Governor’s proposal. Businesses with large landscapes, such as cemeteries, will be required to initiate drastic cutbacks on their water usage. Local governments must eliminate 50 million square feet of lawn area and replace it with drought-friendly plants. New developments are restricted from using drinking water for irrigation purposes if the building lacks a water-efficient drip system. Restaurants cannot offer water to customers unless customers request it and hotels are required to give guests the opportunity to reuse towels. Some individuals, however, have criticized the order for failing to implement water reduction levels for farmers.
Shane Coons can assist small businesses and individuals in complying with environmental legislation. To understand the new water conservation order and California’s other numerous environmental laws, contact Shane Coons at 949-333-0900 or visit his website at www.ShaneCoonsLaw.com