Santa Monica : Drought Forces Water Controls

The city has declared a water emergency and ordered strict controls on when and where residents can use water.

Lawns cannot be watered more than once every other day and never between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Water cannot be used to clean walkways, patios, driveways, alleys or parking areas. Vehicles can only be washed with the use of a hand-held bucket or hose equipped with a special quick-release valve.

Decorative fountains, ponds and lakes cannot use water unless a recycling system or sea water is used.

And new swimming pools or those that have been drained for repairs can be filled only once.

The City Council passed the rules unanimously Tuesday night, and they went into effect immediately.

There are no criminal penalties for disobeying the water-conservation measures, but a surcharge of $20 or 20% of the violator’s water bill, whichever is greater, may be levied.

City officials said the emergency was caused by a drought that threatens to leave water in short supply throughout the state.

The city can revoke the emergency and the conservation measures by a new ordinance when weather conditions improve.