Mandatory water restrictions went into effect today for Richmond and the counties of Henrico and Hanover, officials announced.

The restrictions also apply to Goochland County customers of the Henrico water system.

In general, they mean watering will be restricted to three days a week depending upon the customer’s address.

"Henrico County is concerned about the low water levels in the James River," Henrico County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett said in a statement.

"This is a critical time for everyone to do their part to conserve water," added Richmond Department of Public Utilities Director Chris Beschler.

Beschler said the restrictions follow the city’s James River Regional Management Plan.

Chesterfield County remains under voluntary restrictions.

In Richmond, Henrico and Hanover, first violations will bring a written warning.

In Richmond after the first warning, fines for additional offenses will range from $50 to $100 for residential customers and $100 to $200 for commercial customers. If a violation becomes "extreme," the party may be charged with a third class misdemeanor, the city said.

In Henrico and Hanover, second violations will bring a $50 fine. Third and subsequent violations will bring a $100 fine each. Fines will be applied to the violator’s water bill, the county said.

The restrictions will be lifted when enough rain brings up the low water levels, officials said.

Richmond, Henrico and Hanover restrictions include:

• Established landscaping — Monday, no watering. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, watering allowed at odd number property addresses; Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, at even numbers. In Henrico and Hanover, watering from buckets, maximum five gallon size, permitted any time.

• New landscaping — In Henrico, watering permitted first 30 days after planting. Then, three-day restrictions apply. In Richmond and Hanover, watering permitted first 10 days after planting, then three-day restrictions apply.

• Established lawns — In Henrico, watering prohibited but bucket watering allowed. In Richmond and Hanover, watering permitted the three days a week.

• New lawns — In Henrico, watering permitted for first 30 days after sodding or seeding. Then no watering outside the five-gallon bucket allowance. In Richmond and Hanover, watering permitted first 10 days after planting, then allowed three days a week.

• Restaurants — Water served only on request.

• Vehicle washing — Commercial businesses are exempt. In Henrico, non-commercial washing prohibited in general. In Richmond and Hanover, non-commercial washing limited to one day a week using hand-held hose with automatic shut-off.

• Golf courses — In Henrico, watering prohibited from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. except for watering greens or by hand-held hoses one inch or smaller in diameter. In Richmond, restricted to six days a week between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.; greens exempt from restrictions. Hanover has no courses served by public utilities.

• Fountains — Water use is prohibited in general.

For more information:

• Richmond: 644-3000.
• Henrico: Go to www.co.henrico.va.us and click on the link. Call 501-4931 for information or to report a violation.
• Hanover: www.co.hanover.va.us. Call 365-6024.
• Chesterfield: 748-1291.