Watch that tap, Sac

Sacramento residents will have to change their water-wasting ways to keep in line with new conservation rules.

Last week, the city implemented permanent ordinances that affect all metered water users. Under the new guidelines, outdoor watering is banned between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. (to reduce evaporation); it is allowed only on alternate days (based on address); washing driveways, sidewalks and parking lots is banned; and hoses used for washing cars must be fitted with a shut-off nozzle.

While the state average for water consumption is 192 gallons per person per day, Sac residents use about 280 gallons of water each day, reported the Sacramento Bee.

Residents who are caught breaking the new rules will initially get a warning. A second offense brings with it a $25 fine.