West Covina : Water-Use Rules Passed

Residents can water their lawns only every other day between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m., and can’t hose sidewalks and driveways under new rationing rules adopted Monday.

Also, motor vehicles, trailers and boats can be washed only with hoses equipped with shut-off nozzles.

The measures, which will take effect at the end of this week, are the first phase of a three-phase mandatory conservation program adopted by the City Council.

Thomas M. Mayer, acting city engineer, said the city will rely on people’s “good-faith effort to comply and complaints from neighbors who are conserving.” Code enforcement officers will issue citations to violators, he added.

First violations will result in written warnings. Second-time violators will pay an additional 50% of the total water bill. Subsequent violations will result in a flow restricter on water meters for up to 48 hours.

During Phase 2, customers must use 15% less water than they did in the same period last year. Lawn watering will be allowed every third day between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Under Phase 3, customers must conserve 20% and water lawns by bucket only. Failure to cut back during the last two phases carries a surcharge of 25% of the cost of the excess water.