We're in Stage Two: Water Warning.
According to the water-wasting ordinance adopted Tuesday by the Pima County Board of Supervisors, that means no misters, no public fountains and no overseeding of turf.
Wash your car with a bucket, and water plants no more than three days a week — and only between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
But don't start conserving just yet.
The law won't go into effect for another 30 days. And even then, enforcement is a question mark. The county wants to work out agreements with the numerous water providers, large and small, serving unincorporated Pima County before enforcing the law.
"Declaring a water emergency and enforcing sanctions is a big step," said County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry. "Before we do that, we want to get input from the water providers."
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Huckelberry said the factors triggering each stage of the county's drought management plan — and its increasing restrictions on water use — don't necessarily mean particular water providers will be running dry.
Statewide many drought management plans look at demand for water versus capacity to decide how dire things are.
But Pima County doesn't provide water service. So the ordinance uses a formula that includes the number of days over 100 degrees and amount of rain.
Tucson Water spokesman Mitch Basefsky said Tucson's water supply, which comes from deep wells and Colorado River water, is not affected in the short-term by lack of rain here or a stretch of hot days.
The county ordinance calls for increased restrictions with each drought stage, up to no filling of pools, no car washing and no watering the grass in a stage 4 water crisis.
Repeat violators could have their water cut off and face fines.
"If Tucson Water doesn't have any problem serving a customer in the Foothills, and the county cites them, should we cut off their water?" Basefsky said. "Can we do that, not just legally, but in good conscience?"
Roughly 40 percent of Tucson Water's customers are outside city limits.
Tucson already has a water-wasting ordinance, but it isn't enforced in the county. Enforcement has been limited in the city as well, though some officials want to reinstate fines for violators.
Tucson is preparing its own drought management plan, which will go before the City Council in the fall. The state has told all jurisdictions they must have plans in place by the end of the year.
Huckelberry said the ordinance will serve as a starting point to negotiate with various water providers in the county.
Basefsky said differences in enforcement shouldn't take away from the importance of conservation.
"We applaud the county for moving forward and bringing attention to this issue," he said.
Metro Water Improvement District recently adopted its own guidelines, and Deputy Manager Chris Hill said the water district would support the county in its efforts, though he hopes customers will voluntarily reduce their water use.
"Even though we're different entities, we all have a common goal to conserve resources," he said.
