With the beginning of May, Riverbank residents face new regulations when it comes to watering their yards and gardens. The good news is, they’re a little less restrictive than before.

The new rules include another day of watering and lifting the restriction on automated watering systems, according to Water Conservation Coordinator Sandra Tapia. She and other city officials were participating in the River Fest at Jacob Myers Park on Saturday, helping residents become familiar with the new rules.

New summer regulations started May 1 and still include prohibitions against watering during the day, between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.

With the new summer schedule, residents with odd-numbered addresses are allowed to water during those hours on Wednesdays and Sundays. Those with even-numbered addresses can water on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Landscape watering is NOT allowed on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. As before, watering is prohibited within 48 hours after a measurable rain event, regardless of the aforementioned watering days.

Use of a sprinkler system is now allowed, where before residents were limited to hand watering, and drip or micro spray systems are exempt from the restrictions, according to Tapia.