Truckee Donner Public Utility District has taken action to implement state water reduction regulations. Compliance is mandatory and there are provisions for penalties and fines.

The key impacts to Truckee Donner PUD customers from the SWRCB’s 2015 emergency drought regulations currently include:

Restriction on irrigation with potable water of ornamental landscapes and turf to every other day. This applies to all Truckee Donner PUD potable water customers.

Violators throughout California can face a fine of up to $500 for each day in which a violation occurs, against:

• Runoff when irrigating with potable water;
• Using hoses with no shutoff nozzles to wash cars;
• Using potable water to wash sidewalks and driveways;
• Using potable water in decorative water features that do not recirculate the water;
• Using outdoor irrigation during and 48 hours following measurable precipitation;
• Restaurants and other food service establishments can only serve water to customers upon request;
• Hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of not having towels and linens laundered daily.

“It is important to note that, although the Truckee region is in a drought, Truckee Donner PUD is not experiencing a water supply shortage,” said Michael Holley, Truckee Donner PUD general manager, said in a statment. “That being said, long-term drought will impact us all and we must all comply with the mandatory state emergency drought regulations and do our part to conserve.”

To help with enforcement of drought regulations, the Truckee Donner PUD has established a formal procedure to receive complaints regarding observations of noncompliant incidents. Staff will investigate complaints and take action where appropriate. Complaints must be in writing and can be filed online, then click on drought link.

The Truckee Donner PUD conservation department is available to help customers save water through their water-efficient toilet rebate/exchange, customer leak-repair rebate, free handouts of low-flow plumbing fixtures and hose-spray nozzles, as well as conservation garden concepts. There are many opportunities to save water, money and live more comfortably. For additional information, call 530.582.3931.