Californians have been asked to reduce their water usage by 20 percent during the drought.

The City of Ripon continues to make strides toward Gov. Jerry Brown’s request. At Tuesday’s Ripon City Council meeting, Ted Johnston noted that conservation efforts were at a 12 percent reduction for August.

“We’re heading in the right direction,” said the Director of Public Works.

In an effort to achieve the governor’s 20 percent water reduction goal, he indicated that flyers of the city’s new mandatory measures will be sent out next week to all residents and businesses.

Penalties and fines will be enforced on repeat violators. “We’ve had to remind some folks up to three times,” Johnston said.

Some of the changes include the days and the window period in which folks can water their lawn.

For instance, those living with even numbered Ripon address are allowed to water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.

Ripon residents with odd numbered addresses are permitted to irrigate their landscape on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, from 6 p.m. to 10 a.m.

Water conservation efforts also prohibit washing driveways, sidewalks, patios, parking lots, aprons, and other exterior surface except for sanitation, public health and safety and fire protection services.

Those in need of rinsing off their cars, boats, and recreational vehicles can do so only with the use of a hose with an automatic shut-off valve.

As for water leaks, breaks, or malfunctions to one’s plumbing, distribution or irrigation system must be repaired within 24 hours from the time it was discovered.

For those with pools, spas and ponds are allowed draining or refilling only for health, maintenance, and structural considerations. But that’s only after getting the OK from the Public Works Department.

The penalties will remain the same – first violation within one-year period is $25, second violation within the same span is $50, third violation during one-year period is $100, and any additional violation after the one-year period is $200.

For more information, call Ripon City Hall at 209.559.2103 or log on to www.cityofripon.org