Florida County Will Fine Residents Who Ignore Water Rules

Collier County Florida, located on the southwest tip of the peninsula, has announced fines of $75 a day for each day residents or businesses violate water rules.

The county's water department is now asking residents to limit outdoor irrigation to two days a week, with an outright ban on Friday watering.

Collier County Code Enforcement has vowed to make an effort to warn violators before tickets are issued.

?EUR??,,????'??We don't want to fine people, but we're in a serious situation,?EUR??,,????'?? said John Yonkosky, the county utility's customer service director. ?EUR??,,????'??We're asking residents to come into compliance and to help us continue to provide water to everyone by limiting their water use.?EUR??,,????'??

The county ordinance permits new landscaped areas established less that 60 days to be watered five days per week. Rain sensors are also required by the ordinance, which was passed in April, 2002.

Source: Marco Island (Fla.) Sun Times.