WATER RULES

Residents may only water their lawns every other day.

People with odd-numbered addresses water on odd days; people with even-numbered addresses water on even days.

Lawns cannot be watered between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when evaporation is fastest.

No “excessive” watering or runoff is allowed.

Underground drip irrigation systems are exempt if owners obtain approval from the city’s General Services Division.

Hosing down sidewalks, driveways and patios is prohibited, and water cannot be used for decorative fountains unless the fountain has a recycling system or uses sea water.

Swimming pools can only be filled once, and may be refilled only once after being emptied for repairs.

Residents can wash their cars only if they use a hand-held bucket or a hose with a shut-off nozzle.

Drinking water will not be served at restaurants unless patrons request it.

After one warning notice, violators may be fined a surcharge of $20 or 20% of the water bill, whichever is greater.

The city will distribute 23,500 free conservation kits to Santa Monica households. The kits include a device to put in toilet tanks to reduce the amount of water that is flushed, tablets that color the water and indicate whether a toilet is leaking, an application to request a low-flow shower head and a lawn-watering guide.

The city has also set up a water conservation hot line, a special telephone number people can call to complain or ask questions. The number is (213) 458-8459.