(AP) - California officials who are in charge of restricting water as the drought drags on are considering new limits on restaurants, hotels and decorative fountains in addition to existing rules for homeowners.
At an informational hearing Tuesday, the State Water Board also appeared ready to extend mandatory outdoor water restrictions.
That would mean Californians still won't be able to wash cars with hoses that don't shut off and must limit watering their lawns under the emergency drought rules imposed last summer.
The board is considering new, tougher rules such as a ban on running outdoor water fountains and prohibiting lawn watering during cold and rainy periods.
Other ideas target businesses. Restaurants would only serve water upon request, and hotels would not automatically provide guests fresh towels and sheets every day.
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