Wednesday, June 13, 2001
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Wednesday, June 13, 2001 |
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Fines, jail time part of new county water law By DAVE HAMRICK
Residents who violate Fayette County's new ordinance governing outdoor watering would be subject to fines up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail, or both. "I'd really like to see a warning issued first," said Commissioner Linda Wells last week during discussion of the new law. The law does not provide for warnings, but commissioners pointed out that county marshals have the discretion of issuing warnings before citing residents for violations of all county ordinances. The fine and jail time also are common for Fayette's local ordinances, commissioners said. "Every one of our ordinances says that," said Commissioner Herb Frady. Commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance, which provides for three levels of watering restriction, depending on the amount of water being used by local residents. Odd-even watering restrictions will be the norm. The restrictions go into effect if local residents use seven million gallons of water per day, and that's about the minimum for Fayette. If use hits 13 mgd, watering is restricted from 4 - 10 p.m. daily, in addition to the odd-even rule. If water use reaches 15 mgd, a total ban goes into effect. Businesses that must use water to conduct their daily commerce, such as landscapers, golf courses and car washes, are exempt. "Why is golf course grass any more important than my grass?" demanded Commissioner A.G. VanLandingham. The exemptions are established in state law, said commissioners. Whenever the state imposes watering restrictions, then whichever of Fayette's or the state's rules are more stringent will be in effect.
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