By law, Thousand Oaks residents may water their lawns no more than three times a week, and water leaks must be repaired within 72 hours.

These new restrictions will be enforced through education and by residents reporting violators.

If city customers don't voluntarily reduce water consumption by 15 percent from last year, a $4million fine will be imposed on the city's water company, which will pass the fine to customers.

The fine would increase the water bills of residents who use the city's water company by a "substantial amount"- about one-third more than what they're currently paying, said public works director Mark Watkins.

Councilmember Claudia Billde la Peña questioned whether people would report their neighbors even if it means higher water bills.

"I don't think a neighbor—unless you hate your neighbor—is ever going to turn someone in," Bill-de la Peña said.

Watkins told her that turning a neighbor in would give the city the chance to educate that resident. Habitual offenders could be charged $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second and $500 for each thereafter.

Watkins said the city is preparing some city staff members to be water auditors so they can help customers conserve.

A hotline to report excessive water use has been established at (805) 375-5747.

The new conservation ordinance was prepared by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, the region's wholesaler. The district urged its member agencies to adopt the same law to establish consistency in water conservation.

The water shortage results from a long drought and federal environmental concerns in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Court decisions protecting the delta smelt, a small fish, has restricted the ability of the city's water supplier to transport water through pipelines built for that purpose, said Metropolitan Water District representative Don Kendall.

New restrictions were added to an ordinance the council passed on June 5 that prohibits watering between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at no more than 15 minutes per day per station. The law also bans excessive water flow or runoff and hosing of paved surfaces. In addition, fountains and water features must use recirculating water; car washing at home must be done with a self-closing shut-off nozzle on the hose, and restaurants may provide drinking water only if the customer asks for it.

There are three increasingly restrictive levels of water conservation. By resolution, the City Council can declare a particular level, based on water supply.

Level 1 of the new ordinance was declared unanimously by the City Council on Tuesday and will take effect Sat., Aug. 1.

If this level stays in effect, watering will be further reduced to twice a week from November through March. Unlike Simi Valley, which allows residents to water only on certain days of the week, T.O. didn't specify which days residents can water their lawns.

If Level 2 is declared, watering days will be limited to twice weekly, once a week during November through March, and leaks would have to be repaired within 48 hours of notification. Filling or refilling ornamental lakes or ponds will be prohibited, except to sustain aquatic life of significant value. Initial filling of residential swimming pools or outdoor spas and refilling of more than 1 foot will be prohibited.

Level 3, also referred to as an emergency condition, prohibits all watering, with safety exceptions.

Leaks will need to be fixed within 24 hours of notification and the city could discontinue water service to those who willfully violate provisions of Level 3.