California fines water suppliers for failure to cut back

FILE - In this June 24, 2015, file photo, a worker washes a car at Bob's Car Wash in Roseville, Calif. To reduce water use, owner Nancy van Overbeek says the facility had upgraded its recycling and reclamation system and was not watering its lawn. State officials plan to tell Californians what penalties they are taking against communities that fail to meet a mandated 25 percent reduction in water use when they announce usage figures Friday, Oct. 30, in the state’s battle against a widespread drought. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File) FILE - In this June 24, 2015, file photo, a worker washes a car at Bob's Car Wash in Roseville, Calif. To reduce water use, owner Nancy van Overbeek says the facility had upgraded its recycling and reclamation system and was not watering its lawn. State officials plan to tell Californians what penalties they are taking against communities that fail to meet a mandated 25 percent reduction in water use when they announce usage figures Friday, Oct. 30, in the state’s battle against a widespread drought. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

By Associated Press October 30, 2015 4 min read

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – State officials for the first time are fining California water suppliers for failing to meet a mandated 25 percent reduction in water use in the battle against a widespread drought.

The $61,000 fines are being imposed on Beverly Hills, Indio, Redlands and the Coachella Valley Water District.

Beverly Hills officials said in a statement they may impose additional fines and hire extra staff to meet its savings goals. Officials with the Coachella Valley Water District said they, too, will develop new ways to encourage greater water savings.

Redlands spokesman Carl Baker said the city learned of the fine late Thursday and said officials will seek direction on how to respond from the City Council on Tuesday. He declined to elaborate.

Indio said it has been working hard to meet state water conservation goals, including adopting a drought penalty surcharge and offering rebates for water customers who get rid of their grass.