The changes to the ordinance also include increases in fines and people can no longer defend their use of sprinkler systems during the times by saying they didn?EUR??,,????'???t have knowledge of the ordinance, Ken Griffin, director of public works, said.

The fines are now no less than $100 for the first offense, no less than $200 for the second offense, and no less than $100 and no more than $500 for following offenses.

Griffin said that although past water conservation efforts including water education have been effective, the limit to times of sprinkler watering prevents even more waste as water will quickly evaporate between the times of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. The efforts are in response to the area lakes continuing to have below average water levels.

There are ways for people to water during the restricted times. They can hand water, which means they must be holding the water hose in their hands while watering flower beds or the yard. Also, non-spray irrigation systems like drip systems used on foundations are allowed, Griffin said.

Source: Coppell Gazette Star