Today is the first day of mandatory water restrictions for most of San Diego County. KPBS Reporter Ed Joyce says the conservation measures are intended to reduce the water demand by 20-percent.
The restrictions are the result of three years of drought and reduced supply from the state water project in Northern California.
In the city of San Diego and many other cities in the county, outdoor watering is limited to three days a week between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.
Homeowners are required to follow an odd-even watering schedule based on street addresses.
Apartments, condos and businesses are limited to watering on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Washing down paved areas such as driveways, patios and sidewalks is prohibited.
The rules continue through October.
San Diego will use water cops to make sure people aren't wasting water.
After a letter of warning, repeat violators could face fines from $100 to $1,000.
Ed Joyce, KPBS News.