The House approved a bill that gives state officials power to mandate water conservation.
The 84 to 27 vote came after an unsuccessful attempt to add a requirement for separate water meters for in-ground sprinkler systems.
The bill gives state leaders the power to force cities and towns to cut their water use during a drought. State officials could not impose specific rules, such as a ban on car washing, but they would be able to order municipalities to implement conservation plans.
The plans would have to be written in advance and approved by the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
If the initial plans did not save enough water, the state could order them to try even harsher measures. (N&O)
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