JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Watering thirsty lawns could face more limitations and be backed up by stiffer enforcement if City Council approves proposals proposed by Jacksonville regulators.

The city calls the additional steps to protect North Florida's water supply "preservation through conservation."

Under current rules, Jacksonville homeowners can water twice per week, but not between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Even addresses can water Thursday and Sunday, and odd addresses can water on Wednesday and Saturday.

The proposed rules would not change the summer watering restrictions, but they would cut watering to once a week in the winter.

The bigger change deals with enforcing the rules, with the city gaining authority to fine those who violate the watering restrictions.

City officials said there won't be water police, but enforcement officers will respond to violators.

"The first is always a warning. They'll get a warning. It's an education opportunity," said Vincent Seibold of the city. "Then, the second offense will be a $50 fine, and then a $250 ticket."

While residents may look at this using fines as a threat, the city prefers to focus on the economic incentives of saving water.

"From November to the beginning of March, you would go down to watering no more than one time a week," said Teresa Monson, SJRWMD spokeswoman.

While residents may look at this using fines as a threat, they city prefers focus on the economic incentives of saving water.

"By going to the recommended level, they can save 20 to 30 percent on their water bill," said Gerry Boyce of the JEA. "For instance, if your bill's $60 a month, that's about $15 a month savings."

For those who garden or re-sod, there are exceptions for newly landscaped property.

"You can go 30 days, every other day, and the next 30 days, every five days, I believe," Seibold told Channel 4's Ashley Townsend. "So you get a total of 60 days to get your roots sewn and new sod established."

Other proposed restrictions affect fertilizing:

• Everyone will be required to clean up fertilizer spills.
• You will not be allowed to apply fertilizer during flood or storm watches.
• You will not be allowed to blow clippings into the streets and drainage ditches.

City Council is expected to vote Tuesday on the proposed restrictions.