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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KTXL) — As we enter the hot summer months, California continues to feel the impacts of a multi-year drought. 

In response to the drought, the California State Water Resources Control Board voted in May to impose regulations for all residents, businesses and water suppliers statewide. 

The state’s emergency conservation regulations have restrictions for everyone, but businesses and suppliers have different requirements. 

Due to drought conditions, a “water alert” has been in effect since May for Sacramento residents, city officials said. 

According to the Sacramento County Water Resources, here are the state’s water conservation restrictions. 

What’s prohibited for everyone?

  • Using potable water to wash sidewalks and driveways
  • Runoff when irrigating with potable water
  • Using hoses with no shutoff nozzles to wash cars
  • Using potable water in decorating water features that do not recirculate the water
  • Using outdoor irrigation during and 48 hours following measurable precipitation

What is required for businesses?

  • Restaurants and other food service establishments can only serve water to customers on request
  • Hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of not having towels and linens laundered daily

What is required of water suppliers? 

  • Impose restrictions on outdoor irrigation
  • Notify customers about leaks that are within the customer’s control
  • Report on water use monthly
  • Report on compliance and enforcement

What does the city consider a “water alert”?

Since May, the city of Sacramento has been under a “water alert,” which is the second of six stages in the city’s plan to reduce water usage during a water shortage, according to the city’s website. 

Here are the city’s regulations to conserve water during a “water alert”:

  • Residents and businesses are asked to voluntarily reduce their water usage by 20%
  • Washing your car is only allowed with a shut-off nozzle and on watering days from the city’s watering schedule
  • If anyone wastes water, the city has double its fines from $50 to $1,000 for violations such as letting water flow onto sidewalks and streets

How residents and businesses can save water

According to city officials, the following ways can help residents and businesses reduce their water usage: 

  • Follow the city’s watering schedule 
  • Take advantage of the city’s water conservation rebates program
  • Reduce or change sprinkler timing
  • Fix leaks around the home
  • Get free help from water conservation experts
  • Track water usage with your utility account

West Sacramento enacts “Stage 2” water measures

The city of West Sacramento announced Thursday it’s declaring a Stage 2 water shortage, mandating its residents and businesses reduce water usage by 20%.

West Sacramento officials said city users can take the following steps to reduce water usage: 

  • Adhere to the city’s watering schedule
  • Fix leaks or faulty sprinklers within seven days
  • Sweep sidewalks and driveways instead of using a hose  
  • Restaurants should serve water only upon request
  • Use a pool cover