A series of water-saving restrictions are now in effect as California’s drought continues, but Anaheim residents won’t face any fines for breaking the rules.

The City Council this month adopted conservation measures as a way to comply with the state’s emergency regulations, which went into effect last month by order of Gov. Jerry Brown.

Even though Brown made it easier for Anaheim Public Utilities and other water agencies to issue citations of up to $500 to water-wasters, city officials said they believe educating residents and businesses about conservation methods is better than issuing fines.

Rather than being used to pay a $500 fine, the money would be better used for improved lawn sprinkler systems, shower heads and other water-saving tools that could be installed around the house, said Dukku Lee, general manager of Anaheim Public Utilities.

Additionally, city officials are offering incentive rebates of $3 per square foot of what’s removed and replaced with either artificial turf or drought-resistant plants native to California.

“We have found that education and outreach are the most effective tools in reducing water waste,” Lee told the City Council.

Under the updated restrictions unanimously approved by the City Council, Anaheim residents can no longer allow excess runoff while watering their lawns or using hose water to wash down driveways and sidewalks, unless there is an immediate safety need. Vehicles cannot be hosed down unless residents use a fitted, shut-off nozzle. And drinkable water cannot be used in fountains or other water features unless it’s recirculated.

Additionally, residents are limited to watering lawns before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m., while the Fire Department will be limited to flushing fire hydrants with reused water if there is an urgent public safety need.

In the meantime, local restaurants are being asked not to serve water unless it’s requested by a customer.

While Anaheim’s population has increased by 5 percent over the past decade, daily water usage has declined over the same period from 114 gallons to 93 gallons per person, Lee said.

“Conservation is critical right now,” Councilwoman Kris Murray said. “We don’t know how long this drought will last and we have to do everything we can to protect our water supplies.”