EBMUD votes to end penalties for excessive water use

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- The East Bay Municipal Utility District has voted unanimously to suspend fines for residents who use too much water in this drought.

EBMUD's excess use fines got lots of attention because it was the first large supplier in California to limit household use and disclose name of violators.

Residents we talked to had a mixed reaction to the fees before today's vote.

"I think people in the East Bay are conscious of the importance of saving water. Could we try it for a while and see if consumption goes up significantly?" asked resident Roberta Rosen.

Fellow resident Barbara Devires added, "I think there should be a penalty, it keeps people's consciousness up."

The fines will be suspended effective on May 3.

Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story.

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