San Francisco and East Bay water agencies meet to consider mandatory water restrictions

SAN FRANCISCO -- Water regulatory agencies in San Francisco and the East Bay will consider mandatory restrictions to water use at their meetings this afternoon.

The East Bay Municipal Utility District and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission will both decide whether to impose mandatory water restrictions to help alleviate California's drought at today's meetings.

Restrictions by EBMUD would prohibit using potable water for decorative ponds or fountains, washing cars or boats with a hose without a shutoff nozzle, washing sidewalks or driveways with potable water, irrigating lawns or gardens with potable water more than two days a week and flushing sewers or hydrants with potable water.

The SFPUC would require anyone irrigating ornamental landscapes or turf with potable water to reduce water usage by at least 10 percent.

Penalties for violations of the restrictions could include excessive use charges and the installation of flow control devices.

ABC7 News reporter Nick Smith says EBMUD wants to prevent slow drips like the ones often seen on outdoor water faucets . Watch ABC7 News tonight for his full report.