DWP 'Water Crew' keeps LA water-wasters in check

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- There is now a threat of $500-per-day fines for wasting water during California's drought emergency. But the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has a more user-friendly approach.

Although Tuesday's vote by the California Department of Water Resources will allow for those $500 daily fines, water-wasters in the city of Los Angeles may not have to pay it. That's because the DWP has its own ordinance already in place, and they say it's working.

You can think of Rick Silva as a one-man show. He's the only DWP employee assigned full-time to its Water Conservation Response Unit, called the "Water Crew." Two days a week, he drives all over Los Angeles documenting the water-wasters he's trying to educate.

"It's frustration, especially water runoff, it's a total waste, it's going down the street," said Silva.

Eyewitness News rode along with Silva. He says in most cases he responds to complaints from neighbors, snaps a photo, and sends the homeowner a letter explaining the city's current water conservation ordinance.

That includes no watering your lawn from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and no sprinkler irrigation on Saturdays.

The first contact is considered a warning. Then comes a $100 fine.

"We've never had to go to a second financial penalty," said Silva.

And for that reason, he says, the $500 fines approved by the Department of Water Resources Control Board probably won't be necessary -- at least not yet.

Silva is even getting help from pop superstar Lady Gaga, who released a public-service announcement urging Californians to do their part to conserve.

Silva says it's all about outreach.

"Certain neighborhoods, it seems like no one is aware of the ordinance," said Silva.

The good news is that help is on the way: Silva is expecting a few new-hires to join his "Water Crew" in about two weeks, allowing for daily patrols.

Silva says that $500 daily fine could become helpful if and when California reaches a stricter phase of drought conservation.

Keep in mind, there are some water districts across the state that may use it much sooner than that.