Major San Jose Water Cuts, Tough Fines Take Effect Monday
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- Starting Monday, saving water will be an even bigger task for about a million people in Santa Clara County.
San Jose says if you have been cutting back and saving all along, you should be fine. If not, this could be a big shot and adjustment.
The tough new water restrictions went into effect at midnight.
Here's how it works:
Every home gets assigned an allotment of water -- 30 percent of their 2013 overall average. That comes to about 8,200 gallons a month.
If you go over that, the surcharges begin racking up with a penalty starting at $7.13 for every unit (748 gallons) of water used.
FULL LIST: How Much H20 Your Bay Area Water Agency Is Expected To Save
"It is going to be a little too hard right way," said San Jose Water Company customer Glicerio Biscarra. "Too unrealistic."
If you have more than four people in your household, you can apply to increase your monthly allotment.
Water inspectors will be out on patrol. If you get caught violating the long list of rules, you could face fine of up to $500 a day.
