Stage 3 Water Restrictions To Begin In Burbank

BURBANK (CBSLA.com) — Officials Monday announced additional water restrictions will be implemented in the City of Burbank.

In response to the drought here in Southern California, Gov. Brown issued a statewide water reduction mandate, which subsequently required water usage to be reduced by 28 percent, or one billion gallons, by February 2016 in the City of Burbank.

Officials said the cutbacks are part of what the city is referring to as the Billion Gallon Challenge.

The goal of the challenge, also referred to as Stage III of the Sustainable Water Use Ordinance, is to preserve water for indoor usage, which includes washing, bathing, and flushing, officials explained.

Beginning today, residents will be restricted to watering two days per week, on Tuesday and Saturday, until October. From November to March 2016, residents will only be allowed to water on Saturdays.

The new restrictions permit up to 15 minutes of watering per home before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m., officials said. Outdoor hand watering between this time frame will not be permitted.

Authorities explained low-flow sprinkler heads and drip irrigation systems may be used more than 15 minutes, but must adhere to the watering days.

The use of outdoor evaporative cooling devices will also be prohibited. Authorities advised residents to cover all swimming pools, wading pools, or spas that are not designed to decrease water evaporation.

Failure to comply with the city's water wasting rules may result in a fine. Officials will charge $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second, and $500 for every additional violation.

So far, the City of Burbank has made some headway, but still needs to cut 21 percent of water usage.

If the city does not reach their goal by February 2016, they will be charged a $10,000 fine per day until it is met.

For more information regarding the additional restrictions, click here.