AURORA, Colo. -- Even though the final snowpack numbers are weeks away one city is already banning new landscaping including lawns, trees, flower and vegetable gardens and even xeriscaped gardens.

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The city of Aurora said Tuesday morning that they will prohibit all new landscaping beginning May 3 because current reservoir levels are just at 27 percent and falling.

"New landscaping, including xeriscape, requires substantial amounts of water to establish a healthy root system and ensure its survival. Because the drought has dramatically reduced our water supply, the city had to take a look at all of the uses for this resource," water official Natalie Brower-Kirton said. "It is preferable to have our water customers use water on established trees and shrubs to ensure their survival in the drought rather than on newly planted landscaping."

Planting new lawns by sod or seed and planting annuals and vegetables in gardens or beds is prohibited throughout 2003, the city said.

The date of May 3 was set to allow those who had contracts for landscaping with trees and shrubs to complete them just before warm weather arrives.

"If a homeowner doesn't already have a contract for trees and shrubs to be installed prior to May 3, they should think carefully before purchasing them," Brower-Kirton said. "Outdoor irrigation will be restricted in 2003 and the survival of trees and shrubs you plant before May 3 cannot be assured."

Lawn watering is currently banned in Aurora until May 3. The only exception is the deep-root or drip irrigation of trees and shrubs.

Aurora's comprehensive drought management plan will be announced in mid-April once final snowpack numbers are available. The plan will go into effect on May 3.

For more information on the city's outdoor water use program, call (303) 739-7195 or visit www.auroragov.org/water.