CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — There's no easy way around it, we are expected to be in water restrictions for the long haul as we start the week with a combined lake level of 29.7 percent.
Stage two restrictions won't be lifted until combined lake storage levels rise above 40 percent.
Enforcement crews are handing out warnings for those who are caught watering when they're not supposed to.
Crews can begin issuing citations mid-April, which means you could face a fine up to $500 per violation.
"I think the whole community is aware the city of Corpus Christi and the Coastal Bend is in a critical time with their water," said Water Resource Manager Esteban Ramos.
Ramos said crews are actively searching for those who are watering with irrigation or sprinklers when it's not their time.
"Our crews are monitoring different zones or areas pursuant to the watering schedule each day, what they are looking for is activities they're watering on the improper day of the week," he said.
Since going into Stage 2 two weeks ago almost 40 warnings have been issued.
"Currently in a warning period, so we are out there educating, communicating with our customers if they have any questions, following proper watering schedule, if you are found in this time of warning to be watering on your improper schedule, we'll leave a tag notifying the individual of the event."
However, soon that warning period will transition into real citations that will go through the municipal court where residents or business owners can plead their case.
"The resident or commercial entity can give reasons to the judge to determine what may have been occurring, at that point also we have the responsibility to prove," he said.
Right now, Stage 2 allows residents to water their yards with sprinklers or irrigation once every other week on their residential trash pickup day before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
The week of March 25, for example is a non-watering week for CCW customers.
If you're unsure when you are allowed, the city's website breaks it down and even allows you to type in your address to find out.
"The city is not trying to change their habits inside their home or business, their manufacturing plant, what we are saying use of water to irrigate your landscape is the only thing coming under question right now," said Corpus Christi City Manager Peter Zanoni.
Zanoni said the warning period is about offering guidance and education.
"If we see a customer who has repeat offenses, deliberately doing it, we do have the ability of issuing fines," he said.
If you think you can get away with watering no matter what time of day when it's a non-watering week, think again.
Surveillance is being done not only in the morning but also late afternoon.
Aside from the website, if you have any questions, you can also call 3-1-1.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- WATCH: 3NEWS Women's History Month Panel 2024
- Ramón Ayala farewell tour will stop in Corpus Christi in September
- Doorbell surveillance video shows Caleb Harris hours before disappearance
- RECAP: 'Be a Hero' Blood Drive at KIII-TV3 Studios
- Concerns mount over safety after hit-and-run on SPID frontage road
- Free meditation ceremony for veterans, active-duty military
- Corpus Christi mother makes emotional plea following son's death caused by wrong way intoxicated driver
- An update on the Tesla lithium plant in Robstown
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.