U.S. Water News Online
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Pima County supervisors have adopted a tough new drought management plan that beefs up enforcement during each drought stage and encourages water conservation even during wet periods.
The plan includes a new ordinance, yet to be formally passed, that would outline restrictions during dry periods, including fines for wasting water.
But the plan seeks to cut water use across the county whether a drought exists or not, including encouraging the use of low-flush toilets and systems that use reclaimed water for irrigating parks and golf courses.
"I like this ordinance because it does get tough if we have a real drought," said Supervisor Ann Day. "We live in a desert, and drought is something we have to deal with."
Supervisors are even considering distributing low-flow toilets to owners of older homes as a way to encourage their use. They will vote later this year on conservation measures for new construction, and want county staff to come up with a plan that encourages people to use low-water fixtures.
The county can affect water use the most by regulating indoor plumbing fixtures, County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry said. Adding toilet distribution could be more effective than offering rebates, suggesting a program could be paid for with 1 percent of sewer fees.
Other measures that could save water include using more reclaimed water for irrigation and tapping groundwater too contaminated to drink for irrigation.
Supervisors are also asking for rules that encourage existing golf courses to conserve water and measures to entice developers who have permission to build golf courses to put that land to other uses.
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