Gilroy Residents Allowed To Use More Water In April

GILROY, CA — Gilroy residents will be able to water their lawns more frequently beginning in April.

Residents will be allowed to water their lawns and landscape twice a week at less than 15 minutes per zone, according to the city. Currently, residents are only allowed once-a-week watering.

The change “seeks to balance the need to conserve water while also recognizing the need for water to keep landscapes and vegetation alive and well,” city officials wrote in a weekly newsletter.

Odd number addresses will be allowed to water on Sundays and Wednesdays, and even number addresses on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Residents are advised to check their water bill for specific days.

The Gilroy City Council declared a Level 2 Water Supply Shortage last August due to the current drought emergency, limiting the time and duration of watering.

Related: Water Use Restrictions Approved By Gilroy City Council

With some exceptions, Gilroy residents were prohibited from watering with potable water between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and should limit any watering via irrigation systems to 15 minutes.

City officials said in a staff report that the goal was to "educate and collaborate" with residents to conserve water. A warning will be issued for the first violation of the restrictions, and fines of up to $500 may be imposed for repeated violations.

The resolution also included the suspension of turf installation in new parks unless the turf will be irrigated with recycled water.