Double-Trouble for L.A. Drought Offenders

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has signed an ordinance that doubles the already-existing fine for Angelinos repeatedly in violation of the "drought buster rules." The rules are designed to mandate water conservation by placing restrictions on watering time, manner, and equipment, measures that prevent wasting the precious resource. Some of the rules are as follows:

Lawns are not to be watered between the hours of 9:00am and 4:00pm.

Drip irrigation is permitted and exempt from the limits placed on lawn watering.

Lawns are not to be watered when it rains.

Sprinkler use is to be limited to 15 minutes.

Hoses are not to be used for cleaning dirt on sidewalks and driveways, except for the removal of urine or other toxic matter, a public safety issue, or if a pressure-washer is involved.

Washing cars with a conventional hose is prohibited unless the hose is equipped with an automated "off" switch.

The rules will also include a ban on restaurants serving water to customers unless there is a direct request. The community is asked to report water waste violations by calling 1-800-DIAL-DWP. To date, the hotline has received approximately 2,400 complaints since its advent last summer.