WATER WATCH

Because of the state’s severe drought, the residential water imported to Orange County is being cut by 20% beginning March 1. While many cities are urging citizens to conserve water voluntarily, some are preparing ordinances requiring lifestyle adjustments and changes in business practices. Most local water districts are raising rates for people who fail to conserve 10% or 20%, but they have no authority to tell customers how to use water.

ANAHEIM

* The City Council will consider a water-conservation ordinance at its Feb. 26 meeting. If approved, landscape watering would be allowed only every other day, based on odd- and even-numbered addresses corresponding with odd- and even-numbered dates; refilling pools, spas, ponds and artificial lakes would not be allowed, and water could not be used to hose down outdoor paved surfaces. It also provides for a special team of city employees known as the “water advisers,” who will issue citations to water wasters.

* The city has a 24-hour hot line for people to report water wasters. It is (714) 991-DRIP.

DANA POINT

* A presentation by South Coast Water District regarding water conservation will be made to the City Council at its Feb. 26 meeting.

FULLERTON

* An ordinance that splits water-conservation measures into five phases will be considered at the City Council’s meeting on Tuesday. It will not result in immediate rationing.

LA HABRA

* A water-conservation plan was implemented on Feb. 5. It calls for the following:

Lawn watering, car washing and pool, spa, pond and artificial lake refilling can only be done on “designated irrigation days,” based on odd- and even-numbered addresses corresponding with odd- and even-numbered dates.

Residential lawn watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Car washing or pool, spa, pond and artificial-lake refilling is not allowed between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Watering of golf courses (except greens), parks, school grounds and recreational fields is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

No water can be used to wash down sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, tennis courts and patios.

Ornamental fountains cannot be operated.

Water must be specifically requested at restaurants.

LAGUNA BEACH

* The city has a 24-hour hot line for people to report water wasters. It is (714) 494-WATR.

SANTA ANA

* The City Council passed a resolution in January implementing the first of a three-phase plan to conserve water. It states:

No water can be used to wash down sidewalks, driveways, parking areas or other paved surfaces.

No lawn watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

No water can be used to clean, fill or maintain ornamental fountains, ponds or lakes, unless such water is part of a recycling system.

Water must be specifically requested at restaurants.

Note: The cities of Cypress, Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, Stanton, Westminster and Yorba Linda have not begun to implement their conservation plans and the city councils have not set dates to consider action. The cities of Brea, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Irvine, La Palma, Newport Beach, Orange, Placentia, San Clemente, Seal Beach, Tustin and Villa Park also have not begun to implement conservation plans, but have 10% voluntary water-reduction ordinances in effect. Researched by Kathie Bozanich / Los Angeles Times