As early as September, Morgan Hill water users could face harsher penalties, from fines to discontinued service, according to the waste water ordinance update being considered by city officials.
The city's waste water ordinance was adopted in 1948 and hasn't been updated since. Its weak language inhibits the city's ability to go after water wasters, said environmental programs manager Tony Eulo.
Updates could include discontinuing water use if necessary repairs aren't made; prohibiting water run-off, such as caused by overwatering a lawn; and mandating that restaurants only serve water upon request.
Violators could face a $100 fine, restricted water flow and discontinued service, Eulo said.
Changes to the water waste ordinance are based on Mountain View's water waste ordinance. Eulo wrote in his report that the state's water crisis has increased the community's awareness of water waste.
The council will hold two public hearings on the changes, one at 7 p.m. Wednesday night during its regular council meeting and one at the following council meeting, at 7 p.m., Aug. 6. The Utilities and Environment Committee already reviewed and approved the changes, and recommends that the council do the same, pending review and approval by the acting city attorney Dan Siegel.
Other recent city water conservation efforts include a water efficient landscaping ordinance requiring new developments to use water efficient techniques, mandatory sub-metering on multi-family buildings requiring each apartment to have its own meter and matching the Santa Clara Valley Water District's turf replacement rebates to encourage residents to switch from landscape features that use a lot of water to more water efficient types.
Natalie Everett Natalie Everett covers education and city issues for The Times. Reach her at (408) 779-4106, ext. 201, or neverett@morganhilltimes.com.
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