Water waste fines could be legal by June

Water runoff is prohibited, but News Channel 3 viewers reported local water wasters to us, asking why the Desert Water Agency doesn’t make them pay.

“What we should do is be able to fine them,” said Devin Constantine of Palm Springs.

“They should be fined, we’re all in this together,” said Dave Robertson of Palm Springs.

As it stands, DWA would be breaking a law by issuing fines, even when it sees the precious resource cascading down city streets.

“Our fining infrastructure is old and has been replaced by a law that makes it illegal to use,” said Katie Ruark, spokeswoman for the Desert Water Agency.

Here’s what happened: Ordinance No. 45, which was passed several decades ago, says the agency can fine a person or business through a surcharge.

But, in 1996, California voters passed Proposition 218, which makes it illegal for water agencies to apply surcharges.

“DWA staff is working with our legal team to understand our abilities as far as enforcement,” Ruark explained.

The agency expects a revised ordinance which will grant the ability to fine to be in effect by mid-June.

“Whether it’s a fine or a pat on the back, they should be given that authority,” said Robertson.

In the meantime, when water waste is reported, DWA says it’s actively going out in the community to inform wasters how to comply.

Those water waste investigations are confidential.

“It seems like a company, if it’s responsible, can at least handle fixing their runoff,” said Rene Lassalle of Palm Springs.