State Says Tracy Irrigation District Violated 2015 Drought Order
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California has issued its first cease and desist order telling an irrigation district to stop pumping water under this year's tightened drought regulations.
The state water board on Thursday said that inspectors in May observed the West Side Irrigation District in Tracy pumping water.
MORE: State Water Board says the district could face fines of $10,000/day if it doesn't comply with the order to stop pumping.
— Nick Janes (@nick_janes) July 16, 2015
Officials say the district had received a notice earlier in the month saying it didn't have a right to use the water.
The state order came days after a judge ruled that California could advise water rights holders to curtail use and issue fines if limits were exceeded.
West Side can appeal to the state water board. If it is found to be in violation, the district faces fines of $10,000 a day.
READ: Cease And Desist Order Given To West Side Irrigation District
Thousands of California water users - mostly farmers - have received notices warning that there isn't enough water for everybody.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.