OXNARD : Penalties Studied for Wasting Water
As part of an effort to identify water-saving measures, the city of Oxnard is studying whether to make wasting water illegal and punishable by jail time and fines.
In a report released this week, Public Works Director James Frandsen said the water-wasting practices covered by the proposed law could include over-watering lawns and hosing off driveways and sidewalks.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. June 21, 1990 For the Record
Los Angeles Times Thursday June 21, 1990 Ventura County Edition Metro Part B Page 5 Column 2 Zones Desk 2 inches; 38 words Type of Material: Correction
Rebate program--A June 15 article incorrectly said the city of Oxnard is offering rebates to residents who exchange conventional toilets for ultra-low-flush models. The rebate program is being considered by the city Public Works Department but has not been adopted.
Residents and businesses also could be penalized under the proposed law for maintaining fountains and carwashes that do not recycle water.
Similar laws have been passed in Ventura and Camarillo, while several other cities in Ventura County have adopted voluntary water-conservation guidelines.
The proposed law would be part of a water-conservation plan that the City Council is expected to consider in September, according to the report.
The city is now offering residents free water-saving kits that include two shower flow devices and two dye tablets that detect leaks in toilet tanks.
Oxnard is also offering partial or full rebates to residents who exchange older, conventional toilets for new, ultra-low-flush models.
Oxnard residents use an average of 160 gallons of water per person per day, one of the lowest per-capita rates in the county, according to the report.
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