It’s OK to water 3 times a week

Residents will now be allowed to water their yards three days a week rather than two, after the City Council on July 19 voted to downsize the current water supply shortage from level 2 to level 1.

City officials said that even though Southern California did not receive measurable rainfall, the reservoirs and lakes in Northern California are full, allowing the city to draw down its share of water.

But city officials remind residents that the basic rules for watering will remain in effect, most notably:

-Watering hours will continue to be limited to between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

-Watering will continue to be limited to 15 minutes per station.

-No water runoff is allowed.

The city is still required to report its monthly water usage to the state, officials said.

City staff also noted that there has been concern that trees in Southern California are in jeopardy because of the recent watering restrictions, and residents are encouraged to first and foremost water their trees.