Water drips from plants outside a home where sprinklers run during the midday summer heat the same day Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed into law water usage limits for residents and businesses on Thursday. On June 4, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a statewide drought. Los Angeles residents are now prohibited from watering their lawns between 9 A.M. and 4 P.M., and from watering for more than 15 minutes a day. First-time offenders are issued a warning, but a second offense can result in a $100 fine. Fines can rise as high as $300 after that. Businesses found wasting water can be fined $200-600 per offense. If the drought worsens, officials say they plan to limit outdoor watering to Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. __
