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Pleasanton Imposes Mandatory Water Restrictions, Excess Use To Trigger Large Fines

PLEASANTON (CBS SF) -- Businesses and residents in Pleasanton will have to cut back on water usage by 25 percent or face fines after a unanimous city council vote Tuesday night.

The city's operations services department recommended the mandatory conservation ordinance after requests for voluntary reductions failed back in February.

"Water usage from this same period compared with 2013 actually shows a 9.1% increase in water usage in 2014," said Pleasanton Director of Operations Services Daniel Smith.

The reduction of water use is likely to affect large families and anyone with a pool.

Some business owners are worried.

"What about people, how are they supposed to grow their vegetation?" said Mickey Reddite with Indoor Grow Source Hydroponics & Organics.

Smith said the city will work with customers. "Anyone who has already been carefully curbing their consumption can contact us for review and we'll waive any penalty," said Smith.

The city rules also allow exceptions for those with growing families in the last year and new homeowners, as well as those who can prove they are already reducing their water use.

City leaders say the purpose of the mandatory restrictions is to target heavy water users, not penalize those using less.

For more on the city's water plan, click here.

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