As parched California continues to run dry, the San Diego City Council hopes to increase the region’s conservation through mandatory water restrictions, voted into action Monday.

Under the Level 2 Drought Alert, city leaders aim to cut water use by 20 percent, a goal laid out in January by Gov. Jerry Brown. Right now, the city is saving only 4 percent with voluntary measures in place, Councilmember David Alvarez says.

The mandatory rules, which include restrictions on watering lawns, washing vehicles and using fountains, go into effect Nov. 1.

Most of the water keeping San Diego’s plants alive comes from the State Water Project, where supply is running low, according to Brent Eidson, deputy director of the Water Department’s External Affairs.

The city is only allowed to import five percent of its usual amount, so it is relying heavily on storage. The restrictions are an attempt to ease that burden, officials say.

Under the mandatory rules, you will be limited to watering your yard three days a week. From January to October, each watering can be ten minutes a day, but November through May, it drops down to seven minutes.

Odd-numbered addresses will water Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Even-numbered addresses will water Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Apartments, condominiums and businesses are allowed to water on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Vehicle washing will be restricted to before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m., while you can water potted plants, gardens and fruit trees before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

You are required to use hoses with automatic shut-off nozzles or timed sprinkler systems. All ornamental fountains must be turned off.

According to Mayor Kevin Faulconer, who supports the restrictions, ten city employees will be charged with implementing them.

“Our first steps are education,” said Eidson. “If we find folks are still not complying, then we do have the opportunity to levy fines outside of your regular water bill.”

The last time the city adopted Level 2 drought measures was from 2009 to 2011. During those two years, only one fine was levied.

Still, some believe the city is taking the restrictions too far because neighbors are already using less.

“I do think they’re already taking it upon themselves,” said North Park resident Elba Galindo. “I don’t think a law should be made or any type of enforcement.”

City officials argue that conserving now is critical because if San Diego uses more than it is allowed, its wholesalers could cut back on what they sell, making water more expensive for all residents.

To help households, the city published a pamphlet titled "24 Ways to Save Hundreds of Gallons of Water Every Week." 

Here are some of the suggestions: 

• Replace regular shower heads with low-flow shower heads
• Keep showers less than 5 minutes
• Never let water run while brushing your teeth or shaving
• Hand wash dishes just once a day
• Never use hot running water to defrost frozen food
• Only run dishwashers when fully loaded
• Never wash less than a full load of laundry
• Use a cover over a pool to cut down evaporation
• Never hose down your patio or balcony, but instead use a broom

The San Diego County Water Authority activated mandatory conservation in July, calling all residents to save 20 percent of their water.

Those restrictions are the same as the city's, plus a few more. The county requires residents to eliminate runoff from irrigation systems, hotels to offer guests the option of not laundering towels and linens daily, restaurants to serve water only when asked and construction crews to use recycled or non-potable water when available.