AURORA, Colo. -- In response to the drought, the city of Aurora is getting serious about its water shortage -- requiring mandatory water restrictions and imposing strict penalties for violators.

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On Monday night, the Aurora City Council decided to approve proposed rate hikes for both high water usage and people who don't water within the guidelines.

Residents are now required to water every third day and have been mailed a watering schedule based on the last two digits of their address.

If you are caught watering when you are not scheduled, you would first be issued a warning.

A second offense would mean a fine of $100. A third offense would be a $250 charge and a fourth offense could cost residents $500.

Chronic violators would have their water service cut off.

Enforcement begins Wednesday and continues through Sept. 30.

Higher rates for heavy water users were also approved Monday night. Anyone using more than 15,000 gallons a month will pay a surcharge of $4.08 for each additional 1,000 gallons used.

And those who use more than 25,000 gallons per month will have their rate jump to $6.12 for each additional 1,000 gallons.

The new surcharge rates go into effect July 6.

By this time last year, the metro area had already received more than 6 inches of rain. So far, that same area has received just over 1 1/2 inches.

Experts say this is the most severe drought Colorado has experienced since 1954.