AURORA, Colo. -- The City of Aurora has now passed one the most aggressive drought management programs in the metro area, and on Wednesday the Denver Water Board is expected to announce its watering plan for the summer.

This year marks the fifth straight year of below-average snowfall in Colorado and Aurora reservoirs are reflecting that lack of moisture. The city's reservoir system is at 26 percent of capacity. Once snowmelt begins and water returns to the reservoirs, Aurora's system is expected to fill to just 50 percent of capacity, the city said.

Starting May 3, Aurora residents can water their lawns twice a week for one hour per day and only between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.

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However, residents will not be allowed to plant trees and shrubs, but planting of xeriscape plants, vegetables and flowers is allowed. Homeowners are encouraged to hand water trees and shrubs but only with a hose that has a spray nozzle or deep-root watering mechanism attached.

Also, new lawn permits will not be issued for the rest of the year and residential pools cannot be filled.

The City Council also voted unanimously Monday night to impose a 25 percent reduction in the number of residential taps allocated this year -- meaning that there will be fewer new homes and town homes built in the city this year.

One restriction that the city has relaxed -- car washing. If you live in Aurora, you can now wash your car at home but only with a shut-off nozzle and bucket.

If you eat out or use the hotels and motels in the city you will also notice the water restrictions. Restaurants in Aurora will serve water only upon request and hotels and motels in the city are required to display water conservation materials that give customers the choice of having linens changed less frequently.

Aurora's "Stage II drought" declaration also provides for a drought surcharge to be placed on water rates. An average single family household would be allocated 14,000 gallons of water per month at $2.68 per 1,000 gallons. But if water use crept above 16,000 gallons a month, the rate would elevate to $8.85 per 1,000 gallons.