Drought-stricken California ramps up water restrictions
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- California water regulators have approved more restrictions on lawn watering and are adding new limits on water use by businesses as the drought persists.
The State Water Resources Control Board voted unanimously Tuesday to extend and expand its emergency drought regulations.
California residents can't turn their sprinklers on every day under the new rules. Customers must ask for water at restaurants and have an opportunity to decline fresh towels and sheets at hotels.
It's up to local water departments to enforce these rules. They can fine offenders $500 per violation, but few have gone that far.
The water board says it will also start tracking how agencies enforce the regulations that began in July.
Reservoirs are going dry as winter ends without significant storms.