State regulations, which are focused on ornamental landscapes and turf grass that use potable water, take effect Aug. 1. The Water Authority's Board will consider its response at its next meeting on July 24.

The region's Model Drought Response Ordinance identifies four levels of drought response with progressive water-use restrictions designed to align demand with supply during water shortages. The Board declared a Level 1 Drought Watch condition on Feb. 13. Level 1 outlines a number of voluntary practices to encourage increased water conservation. Level 2 makes Level 1 measures mandatory, and it adds outdoor watering restrictions such as limiting landscape irrigation to no more than three days per week. During the months of November through May, landscape irrigation is limited to no more than once per week.   

Local rules may vary based on regulations adopted by member agencies. City councils and water district boards will have to take action to activate mandatory water-use restrictions in their jurisdictions.  

Level 2 mandatory conservation measures in the model ordinance include:

• Limiting outdoor watering days and times
• Watering only during the late evening or early morning hours
• Eliminating runoff from irrigation systems
• Repairing all leaks within 72 hours
• Turning off water fountains and other water features unless they use recycled water
• Using hoses with shut-off valves for washing cars (or patronizing commercial car washes that re-circulate water)
• Serving water to restaurant patrons only upon request
• Offering hotel guests the option of not laundering towels and linens daily
• Using recycled or non-potable water for construction when available