California drought cutbacks may include water at restaurants

California residents may have to ask for water at restaurants and for fresh towels and sheets at hotels as the drought drags on. These are among the new restrictions mulled by the State Water Resources Control Board at an informational hearing Tuesday as the board considers 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. Board members on Tuesday appeared ready to extend those rules and add new ones. “I find it galling when whole sets of water glasses end up on a (restaurant) table, even in Sacramento,” said Felicia Marcus, chairwoman of the board. “The key is to get away from very light mandatory restrictions.” 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. Marcus said the board would likely take smaller steps first, such as prohibiting decorative outdoor water fountains. For homeowners, possible new rules being considered also include prohibiting lawn watering during cold and rainy periods. Existing emergency regulations also authorized agencies to fine water wasters up to $500 a day, though such stringent enforcement has been rare...more