Gov. Brown Proposes Stiffer Penalties For Water Wasters

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Gov. Jerry Brown is proposing $10,000 fines for residents and businesses wasting water in the drought despite his order to cut water use.

Brown said Tuesday he's supporting legislation to ramp up enforcement of water restrictions. The move gives teeth to his order for communities statewide to slash water use by 25 percent.

The governor's announcement came after he met with mayors of 14 cities including San Diego and Oakland. Many cities have complained proposed water reduction targets are unrealistic and unfair.

State regulators already authorized $500 fines for outdoor water waste last summer, but few cities have gone that far. Many agencies say they'd rather educate customers than penalize them.

Brown's legislation would give enforcement power to water departments that aren't allowed to fine customers.