Once the regulations are finalized, Lakewood and other water providers will inform customers of how the new rules will be implemented locally (most likely between mid-May and mid-June).

In the meantime, Lakewood's current water conservation rules remain in place. Those rules prohibit such things as the hosing down of sidewalks and driveways and restrict the number of times and minutes per week that yards can be watered, with exceptions for residents and businesses who have installed low-water-use irrigation systems.

Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/conservationtips or call Lakewood city staff at 562-866-9771 extension 2140 for tips such as:

• Making your lawn a frugal user of water. Most people use more water than is necessary for a healthy lawn.
• Keeping your trees healthy during the drought.
• Photos and plans of Lakewood and nearby homes that have re-landscaped to become "water wise."
• Rebates of up to $2,900 to make your irrigation system or landscaping "water wise." You can start small with water-wise sprinkler heads or drip irrigation systems that only cost a few dollars each after the Lakewood rebates.
• Learning how to read your meter to track your usage.

The area of Lakewood east of the San Gabriel River is served by the Golden State Water Company, which has its own current rules and rebate programs, and will be informing its customers of rule changes once they are finalized. Information is at www.gswater.com or 800-999-4033.