Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer released a new public service announcement regarding the new water rules that went into effect Nov. 1.

“The last time we faced drought restrictions, San Diego reduced water consumption by 20 percent and, for that, I say thank you,” Mayor Faulconer said. “Now it’s time that we come together again. I ask for your continued help as we face a historic drought that affects all of us. Let’s all of us work together and do our part to waste no water.”

At the recommendation of Mayor Faulconer, the City Council voted last month to enact a Drought Alert status, the second phase of citywide conservation that calls for mandatory water use restrictions in response to the severe drought conditions statewide.

Relevant to most residents under the Drought Alert stage are the restrictions that mandate assigned watering days, which are dependent on your address. There are also restrictions on what time of day residents can water and how long they can water:

Assigned Watering Days:

  • Residences with odd-numbered addresses: Water only on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
  • Residences with even-numbered addresses: Water only on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays
  • Apartments, condos and businesses: Water only on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays

Time of Day and Time Limits:

  • From Nov. 1 through May 31, water only between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. for only 7 minutes at each station when using a standard sprinkler system.
  • From June 1 through Oct. 31, water only between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. for only 10 minutes at each station when using a standard sprinkler system.

Other water use restrictions that become effective under Drought Alert status are:

  • Use a hand-held hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle or timed sprinkler system to water landscaped areas.
  • Stop operation of ornamental fountains, except to the extent needed for maintenance purposes.
  • The washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, airplanes and other types of transportation equipment is only allowed during the following times:
    • Between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. from Nov. 1 to May 31.
    • Between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. from June 1 through Oct. 31.
  • Washing is permitted at any time at a commercial car wash.
  • No irrigation is allowed during rain events.
  • Potted plants, non-commercial vegetable gardens and fruit trees may be irrigated on any day during the following times:
    • Between 4 p.m. and 10 a.m. from Nov. 1 through May 31.
    • Between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. from June 1 through Oct. 31.
  • Irrigation is permitted any day at any time as follows:
    • As required by a landscape permit.
    • For erosion control.
    • For establishment, repair or renovation of public use fields for schools and parks.
    • For landscape establishment following a disaster.
  • Use recycled or non-potable water for construction purposes when available.
  • Use of water from fire hydrants will be limited to firefighting, meter installation by the Water Department or other activities necessary to maintain the health, safety and welfare of San Diegans.
  • Constructions operations receiving water from a fire hydrant or water truck will not use water beyond normal activities.

These restrictions are in addition to permanent, mandatory water use restrictions in effect at all times since 2011. For a list of all current restrictions, as well as conservation resources, rebate programs and other valuable information, visitwww.wastenowater.org.