U.S. Water News Online
SANTA FE -- Santa Fe has ticketed 625 water company customers who were caught violating severe water restrictions the capital city imposed in June because of drought.
Just over half -- 51 percent -- of the citations since restrictions went into effect this summer were given to businesses, Public Utilities Department Director Dennis Gee said. About 27 percent of the citations went to homes, while apartments and city parks each have received 6 percent, state and federal government buildings 5 percent, schools 4 percent and churches 1 percent, he said.
``I know we'll pay for (citing churches) in this life or the next,'' Gee joked.
Santa Fe remains under stage 3 water restrictions, which prohibit planting new landscaping, watering outdoor plants more than once a week, washing vehicles at home, or using ornamental fountains.
Water company officials predicted water restrictions will remain in effect through the winter.
The department did not break down figures to show whether anyone was cited for repeat violations, but Gee said most were one-time offenses.
Many water company customers were cited for watering on the wrong day of the week. The restrictions limit when someone can water.
Other citations were for allowing water to run beyond the property line or for such prohibited activities as washing cars at home, Gee said.
A first offense costs $20. Second offenses are $50, while third offenses cost $100.
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