The City of San Jose implemented a rule this week to limit outdoor irrigation to two days a week as part of an effort to reduce water use by 15% during prolonged droughts.

The restrictions passed by the City Council on Tuesday require all residents and businesses to comply, no matter which water retailer serves them.

Earlier this year, other cities in Santa Clara County and the Santa Clara Valley Water Company implemented this policy.

Residents with odd addresses and those without addresses can water the water on Monday and Thursday. People with even addresses can water on Tuesday and Friday.

This means that outdoor irrigation is not allowed in San Jose on weekends or Wednesdays.

Outdoor irrigation is also limited by the time of day. It can only happen before 10 am or after 8 pm. This is because watering during colder times reduces evaporation and allows lawns and plants to absorb more water.

The operating time of the sprinklers at each station must not exceed 15 minutes per day; excessive water runoff is not allowed; the vehicle cannot be cleaned with hoses unless it has an active shut-off nozzle.

Those who have leaked or broken water pipes, irrigation systems or faucets are also obliged to repair them within five days or as soon as possible.

"Reducing outdoor irrigation is a simple and effective way to reduce drinking 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 that by restricting outdoor irrigation, the city is likely to reach the 15% water saving goal. However, if needed, the city may consider further measures.

There are some exceptions to the new irrigation rules. This includes maintaining parks, sports fields, daycare centers, golf greens and school grounds.

Irrigation restrictions also do not apply to fire prevention, soil erosion control, planting of plants and trees for consumption, nursery and garden center plants for sale, and environmental mitigation projects.

People who use hand-held hoses with automatic shut-off nozzles or drip irrigation systems to water lawns or plants are not restricted.

"The San Jose community united during the last drought and reduced our water consumption by more than 30%, and I know we will welcome this moment again," Romano said.

The city stated that it will take an education-first approach when carrying out its tasks. Those who are reported or found to be in violation of the regulations will receive information to help them comply with the regulations. However, according to city government documents, the city government will issue a fine of up to $500 in “rare cases” where outreach activities cannot solve the problem.

The city encourages residents to report violations of irrigation regulations by calling the Valley Water hotline (408) 630-2000, emailing WaterWise@valleywater.org, or visiting the online portal Access Valley Water on access.valleywater.org.

For more information on water conservation rules and tips, please visit sjenvironment.org/waterefficiency.