Drought prompts cities to restrict water use

California’s historic drought has led many cities and water districts in Sonoma and Mendocino counties to enact mandatory conservation orders that mostly stop short of financial penalties but set limits on when and how residents can use water.

In Sonoma County, Cloverdale has the strictest measures, mandating that residents curb water use by 25 percent from the same period last year. People cannot wash off sidewalks or driveways with an open hose, and can only use a hose or drip irrigation on lawns and shrubbery. Restaurants can only serve water upon request.

The city has the option of levying fines or cutting off service. However, officials said they won’t review water records unless someone is reported for excessive use.

Seven cities, along with the Valley of the Moon Water District, have required residents to cut use by 20 percent. They include the cities of Healdsburg, Windsor, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Rohnert Park, Cotati and Sonoma. Petaluma asks residents to voluntarily cut usage by 20 percent but is expected to revisit its rules Monday.

In Mendocino County, the city of Ukiah enacted mandatory water restrictions that among other things limit residential irrigation to no more than every other day. Willits asks residents to voluntarily reduce their water usage by 20 percent. The Redwood Valley County Water District north of Ukiah limits residents to 50 gallons of water per day.