A water conservationist for San Diego County Water Authority, checks sprinkler flow on a lawn as part of the county’s “Watersmart Checkup.”
A water conservationist for San Diego County Water Authority, checks sprinkler flow on a lawn as part of the county’s “Watersmart Checkup.”du1-i-syn

The city of Cortez on May 27 announced mandatory and voluntary restrictions on water use, including a required permit for residents who want to water a new lawn between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

City ordinance 1013, approved in 2004, banned non-permitted irrigation watering between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. from May 15 through Sept. 15 each year.

Residents who plan to start a new lawn and want to water between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. must get a “New Lawn/Exemption from Watering Restrictions Permit” from the Public Works Department in the City Service Center. The permit costs $25 and allows daily watering for up to 21 days. For more information, call 565-7320.

In addition to the existing water restrictions, Cortez City Council endorsed voluntary water restrictions at their regular meeting May 27.

The following voluntary restrictions were endorsed:

Watering restrictions will be enforced between April 1 and Oct. 31 every year. Watering of yards and gardens is not allowed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Watering days are designated by address. Even-numbered street addresses may water on even-numbered calendar dates; and odd-numbered street addresses on odd-numbered calendar. No watering is allowed on the 31st day of the month.

The city reminded resident to avoid wasting water by:

Allowing water to escape from any premises onto public property.Washing vehicles or other impervious surfaces area with an open hose.Operating a permanently installed irrigation system with a broken head or emitter, or with a head that sprays more than 10% of the spray onto a street, parking lot or sidewalk.Failing to repair a controllable leak.

Residents are encouraged to conserve water.

Take quicker showers.Don’t let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.Run full loads of clothes or dishes.Repair plumbing leaks and running toilets.Use a broom (not a hose) to clean driveways and sidewalks.Don’t allow hoses to run unattended.Report water main leaks to the Public Works Department at 565-7320.Water lawns only from 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. or from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and only when needed.Avoid watering in windy weather.Keep grass height at 2½ to 3 inches and leave clippings on the lawn.Mow often enough to cut only 25% of the length to prevent shock to grass.Xeriscape where possible.

The city’s Water Conservation Plan will guide continuing efforts to use water resources efficiently. To view the plan, visit www.cityofcortez.com/236/Water-Conservation.