Water, one of California’s most precious resources, is in short supply these days, and drastic measures have been taken to conserve water and prohibit waste. The State Water Resources Control Board passed emergency regulations that place mandatory restrictions on outdoor water use. Recent regulations include prohibitions against the following:
- The direct application of potable water to driveways and sidewalks for washing.
- Watering of outdoor landscapes that cause runoff to adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots or structures.
- Using a hose to wash an automobile, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle.
- Using potable water in a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is recirculated.
Any employee of a public agency charged with enforcing laws could write and issue a ticket for a fine up to $500 to a violator. Violations of prohibited activities would be considered infractions.
Visit this link http://www.acwa.com/content/local-drought-response to discover more ways in which local California water agencies are coping with drought conditions.
Many residents and businesses are unclear on the latest water restrictions, stages, rationing and penalties for noncompliance. Adding to the confusion is the fact that each water district has different bans, restrictions and emergency measures in place. It is up to each local water agency to communicate their district’s drought management initiatives so that the community understands and complies with them.
In case you are wondering what water restrictions have to do with translation, the truth is, water conservation is all about communication. Getting the word out to LEP community members is imperative so that everyone understands how, why and where to conserve. Accurate translation is key to promoting water conservation and getting information out to all community members. California’s population is diverse, with approximately 44% of California residents speaking a language other than English at home. For this reason, translation into threshold languages is essential to communicate the latest water rules and regulations. When community residents fully understand emergency regulations on water use, they are more likely to comply and support water conservation.
To read a case study on how Avantpage previously provided translation solutions for the ACWA (Association of California Water Agencies), click here
For more information on how Avantpage can help with translations for water agencies, visit our website at https://avantpage.com/.
To receive a free translation quote, click here.
