Water use cutbacks, fines expected during summer due to intense drought

STUDIO CITY, Calif. (KABC) -- The Metropolitan Water District said this year's rainfall so far is disappointing, and there could be water cutbacks of five to 10 percent or more this summer.

"We started off with a wet December and then immediately we go into January, which is a record dry. It's just the driest on record up in the Sierras," said Debra Man, assistant general manager and chief operating officer of the district.

This is bad news since that is one of the places where the district gets its water. It then supplies that water to a number of local water companies and it will be up to them whether to impose rationing.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to impose new conservation measures and increase fines for those who waste water. The fines can be from $100 to $500 a day.

"The idea is not to have a water force, police force out there. The thing is if we see the excess watering, the runoff, which is the big problem, runoff on driveways and sidewalks and those kinds of things, you tell the folks and they've responded accordingly," Supervisor Don Knabe said.

Officials said consumers have responded and are conserving water, but if supplies do not improve this summer it could be crucial to conserve.

"We're not just asking for conservation just because it's a drought. It's important that the region practice water use efficiency throughout and continuously, and it has to be a part of normal life," Man said.

County residents said they understand this is a long-term change.

The water district board of directors will consider the supply allocations in April, if they deem necessary. If there is not enough of a water supply, the cutbacks could begin July 1.