Water users in unincorporated parts of Pima County will have to adhere to tough new rules on water use under a water-wasting ordinance passed by county supervisors.
The sliding-scale restrictions vary on drought conditions, but “wasteful or unreasonable uses of water” is banned at any time, including irrigation that causes excessive runoff.
The four-level rules start with voluntary restrictions, the lowest level, and top out at a “water crisis” level that bans all landscape watering and washing of cars.
The county will begin enforcing the new water restrictions within 45 days of the June 20 vote, Administrator Chuck Huckelberry said. Those breaking the rules could have their water cut off and face fines up to $600.
The drought level will be set using a system developed by the Institute for the Study of the Planet Earth at the University of Arizona that measures the number of consecutive days above 100 degrees and precipitation. The highest level requires 90 straight days of 100-degree weather and rainfall far below the annual average.
Tucson already has a water-wasting ordinance, although enforcement has been limited. The city also is working on a state-mandated drought management plan, expected to reach the City Council this fall.
Mr. Huckelberry said enforcing the law still requires agreements with the numerous water providers serving unincorporated Pima County.
“Declaring a water emergency and enforcing sanctions is a big step,” Mr. Huckelberry said. “Before we do that, we want to get input from the water providers.”
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