Californians could face $500 fines for wasting water under new rules

Despite a recent wave of heavy rain and snow, a third of the state still struggles in extreme or exceptional drought conditions

Californians will not be able to water their lawns for 48 hours after rainstorms or let their sprinklers run on to the sidewalk under new, mandatory water saving rules that could result in a fine of up to $500 a day.

The restrictions, adopted by state regulators on Tuesday, come as California continues to struggle under drought conditions, despite a recent wave of heavy rain and snow.