The restrictions will be implemented Friday in all of the county except Lawrence and Speedway.

Citizens asked Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard to issue an executive order declaring a water shortage warning in the county, which would allow the implementation of a mandatory watering ban.

“Last Friday, Citizens asked customers to stop watering their lawns for one week, on a voluntary basis,” Carey Lykins, president and CEO of Citizens Water, said in a news release. “While we’ve seen positive results from that request, water usage still remains much higher than average and reservoir levels continue to drop.”

During a water shortage warning, it is illegal to water lawns; wash vehicles except at commercial car washes; use water to clean outdoor surfaces, such as sidewalks; fill swimming pools; install new landscaping or plant a lawn using sod; and operate water fountains that don't use recycled water.

Vegetable gardens, flowers and trees less than 5 years old can be watered by container or with a handheld hose that has a shut-off nozzle.

Nurseries, manual and automatic car washes, golf courses, parks and customers with wells are exempt from the ban.

Violators will be fined $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, at least $500 for the third offense and up to $2,500 per violation for fourth and further offenses.

Officials said ban violations can be called in to the Mayor's Action Center at 317-327-4MAC.

“We realize that mandatory water use restrictions will create concern among some customers,” said Lykins. “The water use restrictions, however, are absolutely necessary for public safety and to maintain adequate water supply for our customers."

More: Water Warning Declaration