Downey : New City Ordinance Bans Wasteful Water Practices

The Downey City Council has passed an ordinance that prohibits residents, businesses and industries from washing down sidewalks and from using water in other wasteful ways. Technically, a violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor. But city officials say they are seeking voluntary compliance, and they do not intend to prosecute people who violate the ordinance.

The ordinance, which took effect Tuesday, limits lawn watering to every other day, between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. It requires the use of a shut-off nozzle when washing a car or equipment. And it prohibits restaurants from giving water to customers without a request.