Outdoor watering completely off limits in Strathmore

STRATHMORE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Water restrictions are tighter than ever in Strathmore. The town's water district has banned all outdoor watering in the name of public health.

On Larry Thompson's street, there are not a lot of green lawns, "This is the first time we've ever had to really cut back on water," Thompson added. His lawn was dead but it's coming back, "Giving it a little extra water, trying to revive it."

In Strathmore, there is only one way to save a lawn, to keep plants and trees alive without facing a fine -- recycled water from down the street. Larry fills up twice a week, "hold on to something during the drought, keep a little bit of green around you."

The whole town is holding on because water is in short supply. Adrian Ordonez, the water district manager says, last year, there wasn't enough and this year, there's just enough to get by.

"In order to meet with what was given to us, we've had to go a little bit more stringent on our rules," Ordonez said.

The rules are simple. The supply is for indoor use only. It's not for lawns, cars or sidewalks and there's a $100 fine for habitual violators. Ordonez says the restrictions are legal and they are in effect for public health and safety.

Ordonez added, "That's the way the state has given us this emergency allocation, it wasn't given for our personal pleasure use but to be able to sustain life."

To make up for it, the water district is supplying the recycled water, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Thompson said, "Everybody can have their lawns back," and his is almost there, "maybe by the end of the summer, it may be one of the better ones."