Glitch Keeping Local Water Agencies from Enforcing New State Regulations

The Santa Clara Valley Water District reports complaints about water waste are pouring in.

The recent spike in complaints comes after the district said it will spend $500,000 on hiring water cops to enforce new regulations approved by the state. In addition, the district recently began offering a mobile app to help South Bay residents report water waste.

Sally Cooperrider is one local resident who is trying to get her neighbors to conserve during California's severe drought.

"It's frustrating when you're doing your part and you can see other people not doing their part," she said. "We all need to come together on this."

The state water board has given agencies the authority to issue $500 fines to water wasters. But it turns out most cities and water providers are racing to catch up with the recently-approved emergency regulation.

The Santa Clara Valley Water District said most agencies, cities and water providers have to change administrative codes to legally issue citations.

Cooperrider hopes agencies act fast.

"I think that's what is needed -- to have some actual teeth in enforcement for people to save water," she said.

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