Cobb County commissioners have approved new sanctions that go above and beyond those imposed by the state.

The new restrictions target the top two percent of residential users in the county.

"We're talking about folks who use over 30,000 gallons of water a month," Cobb County Commission Chairman Sam Olens tells WSB. "80 percent of our users use less than 8000 gallons a month. So, to literally use 50,000 gallons of water a month you're pretty much keeping the water running constantly."

Violators could be hit with a 25 percent surcharge on their water bill, if they don't cut back.

The sanctions also are aimed at commercial users, such as landscapers, car washes, schools and businesses.

October 30, 2007