The city of Williams, Ariz. has declared a Level 4 water crisis and is putting emergency conservation measures into effect.  

The extremely dry winter in northern Arizona has the city banning washing cars, washing down outdoor areas and refilling the swimming pool Potable water is not to be used for irrigation or anything other than for public health or emergencies.

The city is barred from issuing new building permits, other than those that are already in the pipeline. It said commercial water hauling is to be halted, except for residential purposes.

The city said while the restrictions are the most severe possible under city code, they have been determined to be necessary to continue to meet basic water needs. A

Anyone violating the water restrictions is subject to a $100 assessment on their water bill, a penalty that will double with each repeat violation.