We're all getting familiar with water restrictions now that our region's drought is downright unavoidable. But some deeper regulations are in place that might be a bit more mysterious.
Violating San Diego's storm water regulations, for example, could be a costly offense. The regulations are so detailed, folks can get in trouble for overwatering lawns, washing cars or letting air conditioning units drip. That's because this water could be polluted or sweep up pollutants as it travels from gutters toward the ocean.
These rules have become a powerful tool during the drought, since they regulate over-irrigation. The Regional Water Quality Control Board, part of a larger state agency, is looking all over the county to make sure cities are cracking down.
On this week's San Diego Explained, the Voice of San Diego's Ry Rivard and NBC 7's Catherine Garcia walk through what fines you might get slapped with and steps new businesses need to take to comply with the rules.