The Westminster City Council voted unanimously Monday night to adopt mandatory watering restrictions based on the three-day circle, diamond, square watering calendar.

Mandatory restrictions will be enforced beginning Aug. 1.

A warning will be issued for the first violation. The second violation will carry a penalty of $50, the third a penalty of $150, and the fourth a penalty of $250 with the possibility of having a flow restrictor installed on the water line.

Westminster has been one of only a handful of cities in the metro area to avoid mandatory watering restrictions up to this point.

Westminster's reclaimed water system has taken pressure off the City's water demands by using treated wastewater for irrigation at large City facilities and some local businesses.

Voluntary watering restrictions that have been in place throughout the summer have not produced enough savings to address the severity of the drought and ensure adequate water supply for the future.

The city is looking to reduce total water demand by 15 to 20 percent for the rest of the year.

Total watering time is limited to three hours each watering day, and only before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.

Trees, shrubs, flower and vegetable gardens may be watered by hand or through drop irrigation any day, but only before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Cars may be washed only on the designated watering day.

Water may not be used to clean pavement, driveways or sidewalks except where necessary for public health or safety.

No sod landscaping or seeding will be allowed for residential or commercial development before Sept. 15, unless a special permit has been issued.

Restaurants may serve water only on request. The use of decorative fountains is discouraged.

Prior to passing the mandatory restrictions, the City has made efforts to reduce its water usage this summer by cutting watering time at parks and City facilities by 30 percent, in addition to using reclaimed water at City golf courses, parks and other City facilities.