BAKERSFIELD, CA - The City of Bakersfield is set to discuss mandatory water restrictions and fines this week. This will be the first local meeting about the state regulations that passed last Tuesday.
Currently, Bakersfield area water districts are moving forward, but moving forward with a bit of confusion. Many told 17 News Monday that they don't know how to enforce the state's rules or what rules there should be.
There are five main water districts within the city that the state says may have to implement mandatory irrigation restrictions: Oildale Mutual, Vaughn Water, East Niles, Cal Water and the City of Bakersfield.
Currently, none of the five has mandatory watering rules restrictions, but all are discussing the possibilities. The City of Bakersfield will meet with the water board Wednesday. Water Resources officials hope to come up with a direction for the city council at that time. The city believes whatever passes will affect everyone within city limits regardless of their water district. But, the city is hoping to get all districts on the same page anyway so city boundaries don't matter.
"Well, I think it would be confusing if there were several other purveyors and they had different rules that their customers are supposed to follow. I think if you have consistency then everyone knows what would be required of them if we implement some sort of mandatory restrictions," said Jason Meadors, Water Resources Director for the City of Bakersfield.
The other item on the table is water police or patrols to give $500 fines to water wasters. Currently, only Oildale Mutual Water Company has a water patrol. Vaughn Water is discussing hiring one of its own. All others respond after receiving complaints.
The city meeting will start at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Bakersfield Water Resources Department at 1000 Buena Vista Road in Bakersfield.