Residents who violate Fayette

County's new ordinance governing outdoor watering would be subject to

fines up to $1,000 or up to six months in jail, or both.

"I'd really like to see

a warning issued first," said Commissioner Linda Wells last week

during discussion of the new law.

The law does not provide for

warnings, but commissioners pointed out that county marshals have the

discretion of issuing warnings before citing residents for violations

of all county ordinances.

The fine and jail time also

are common for Fayette's local ordinances, commissioners said.

"Every one of our ordinances

says that," said Commissioner Herb Frady.

Commissioners unanimously approved

the ordinance, which provides for three levels of watering restriction,

depending on the amount of water being used by local residents.

Odd-even watering restrictions

will be the norm. The restrictions go into effect if local residents use

seven million gallons of water per day, and that's about the minimum for

Fayette.

If use hits 13 mgd, watering

is restricted from 4 - 10 p.m. daily, in addition to the odd-even rule.

If water use reaches 15 mgd,

a total ban goes into effect.

Businesses that must use water

to conduct their daily commerce, such as landscapers, golf courses and

car washes, are exempt.

"Why is golf course grass

any more important than my grass?" demanded Commissioner A.G. VanLandingham.

The exemptions are established in state law, said commissioners.

Whenever the state imposes

watering restrictions, then whichever of Fayette's or the state's rules

are more stringent will be in effect.

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