New mandatory water restrictions are in place in some cities in Alameda County, and people who don't follow the rules could end up with no water at all.
The Alameda County Water District declared an emergency water shortage Thursday night. The district includes more than 330,000 people in Fremont, Newark and Union City.
Starting immediately, residents are not allowed to water their lawns on consecutive days, refill swimming pools or use a hose to clean things.
If residents must use a hose, it has to have a "shut-off" nozzle.
Rule breakers get a written warning at first, followed by a knock on the door for a second violation. If they still don't comply, the district will shut the water off and could file misdemeanor charges.
The water district board passed the ordinance 4-1.
