The City of Lincoln is cracking down on violators of its water restrictions.

Starting Monday, said Public Safety Director Tom Casady, police will ticket people who violate the city's mandatory water restrictions. They were established Aug. 9 because of low flows in the Platte River basin caused by the drought.

Violators could be fined up to $500, sentenced to six months in jail or both. Multiple violations will be considered separate offenses.

"This year a tan yard is a sign of good citizenship," Casady said. "We desperately need more people to think twice about the importance of lush lawns in comparison to the critical water needs of the community."

The restrictions place limits on all outdoor water uses, including washing cars.

Under the rules:

» Properties with even-numbered addresses are allowed outdoor water use on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

» Odd-numbered addresses are allowed outdoor water use on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

» No watering is allowed on Mondays.