SILER CITY, N.C. — Mandatory water restrictions take effect Monday in Siler City, and residents will be forbidden to water lawns, shrubs and flowers.

The restrictions also will affect some businesses. Car washes not on well systems, for example, will have to shut down completely.

First-time offenders will face a $500 fine, and second-time offenders will be fined $500 and must appear in court.

Those who violate the restrictions at least three times may have their water shut off by the city.

"I think $500 to me sounds a little steep," Siler City resident Jennie Bridgers said.

But, she said, she plans to conserve.

"I came from old school. I lived through the Depression," Bridgers said. "We comply with what the town thinks is best for us."

During a drought in 2002, town leaders in Siler City took the same approach.

In 2002, nobody was fined for violating the water restrictions, town manager Joel Brower said.

He added: "We achieved a water reduction of more than 20 percent, so we were very successful."