The city of San Jose this week implemented a rule to limit outdoor irrigation to two days a week as part of an effort to reduce water use by 15 percent amid the ongoing drought.
The restriction passed by the City Council on Tuesday requires all residents and businesses to comply, regardless of which water retailer serves them.
It is a policy that has already been implemented by other cities in Santa Clara County and by Santa Clara Valley Water earlier this year.
Residents with odd-numbered addresses and those without an address are allowed to water on Mondays and Thursdays. Those with even-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Get a weekly recap of the latest San Francisco Bay Area housing news. Sign up for NBC Bay Area’s Housing Deconstructed newsletter.
This means outdoor irrigation in San Jose is not allowed on weekends or on Wednesdays.
Outdoor irrigation is also being restricted by time of day. It can only occur before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m. This is because watering in the cooler hours reduces evaporation and allows lawns and plants to absorb more moisture.
Sprinklers may also not be operated for more than 15 minutes per station per day; no excess water runoff is allowed; and vehicles cannot be cleaned with a hose unless it has a positive shut-off nozzle.
Those with leaking or broken water pipes, irrigation systems or faucets are also obligated to have repairs initiated within five days or as soon as practical.
"Cutting back outdoor irrigation is a simple and effective way to reduce potable water use and ensure an adequate supply of safe and clean drinking water," said Kerrie Romanow, director of the San Jose Environmental Services Department.
She said by limiting outdoor irrigation, the city is likely to reach the 15 percent water conservation target. However, the city may consider implementing further measures if needed.
There are some exceptions to the new irrigation rules. This includes maintenance of public parks, playing fields, day care centers, golf course greens, and school grounds.
Irrigation restrictions also don't apply to fire protection, soil erosion control, plants and trees grown for consumption, nursery and garden center plants for sale, and environmental mitigation projects.
Those who are watering their lawns or plants with a hand-held hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle or with a drip-irrigation system are not subject to the restrictions.
"The San Jose community came together during the last drought and reduced our water consumption by more than 30 percent, and I know we'll rise to the occasion again," Romanow said.
The city said it will take an education-first approach when it comes to enforcing the mandate. Those who are reported or found to be violating the mandate will be given information to help them comply. However, in "rare cases" in which outreach does not resolve the issue, the city will issue citations of up to $500, according to city documents.
The city is encouraging residents to report irrigation violations by calling Valley Water's hotline at (408) 630-2000, emailing WaterWise@valleywater.org or visiting the online portal Access Valley Water at access.valleywater.org.
More information on water conservation rules and tips can be found at sjenvironment.org/waterefficiency.
