New Drought Rules at Restaurants, Hotels Considered in California

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Officials are considering new water restrictions as California’s drought drags on, possibly forcing residents to ask for water at restaurants and for fresh towels and sheets at hotels.

The State Water Resources Control Board floated the ideas at an informational hearing in February as it considered extending and expanding mandatory water-use rules.

The board last summer imposed emergency regulations prohibiting Californians from washing their cars with hoses that don’t shut off and limiting how often they can water their lawns. The board has the sweeping power to define when water use is unreasonable, and it could eventually expand the definition to include using drinking water to maintain golf courses and cemeteries.

Existing emergency regulations have authorized agencies to fine water wasters up to $500 a day, though such stringent enforcement has been rare. For homeowners, new rules also could include a ban on watering lawns during cold and rainy periods.

Some proposals presented targeted businesses, such as requiring restaurants to only serve water on request and telling hotels not to automatically provide guests with fresh towels and sheets every day.

The board has considered making some water restrictions permanent with the prospect of future droughts looming.

The board could consider the extension of restrictions this month and take up other possible regulations later in the year.