San Diego water restrictions go into effect

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Mandatory water-use cutbacks took effect in San Diego Saturday, and city residents have new rules restricting users to watering lawns for limited amounts of time on assigned days, and only three times per week.

Restrictions are designed by the city council to promote water conservation as a permanent way of life for San Diegans.

Residences with odd-numbered addresses can water only on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Even-numbered addresses can water only on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Apartments, condominiums and businesses can only water outdoors on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Time limits apply now to sprinkler systems, but exempt water-conserving landscape irrigation systems like drip and micro-irrigation.

Between Nov. 1 to May 31, there is a seven-minute limit per section of sprinklers, and watering may only happen between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m.

During summer days, June 1 to Oct. 31, watering may last for 10 minutes per section but cannot begin until 6 p.m.

Water customers are also required now to correct leaks in their private water systems. They are also no longer allowed to use a running hose to wash down sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts, patios or other paved areas, unless that hose is connected to a water-efficient device.

All decorative water fountains are now required to use a recirculating pump.

Vehicles may only be washed at a commercial car wash or by using a hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle or with a bucket.

Food establishments will only serve and refill water for patrons now upon request.