Mandatory water-userestrictions take effect

Washing vehicles at home, power-washing homes and businesses and flushing out gutters are all off-limits under new mandatory water-use restrictions approved by the Marin Municipal Water District, which temporarily backed off even-stricter rules after public complaints. Amid a statewide drought and record-low rainfall in Marin, the district’s board of directors at its April 20 teleconference meeting voted unanimously to implement a host of mandatory restrictions, the first imposed since 1988. The new restrictions also prohibit watering between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.; washing driveways and sidewalks; watering grass on public medians; refilling or topping off decorative water fountains; and using potable water to control dust, flush sewers or clean streets. The restrictions went into effect immediately, but active enforcement won’t begin until May 1 to give customers time to prepare.

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