Catch 22

California courts have ruled that HOA bylaws and CC&Rs CANNOT supersede local, state, and federal laws. I'm assuming you live in California when you talk about being in drought. What that means is that if your local municipality has put a ban on lawn watering, your HOA cannot compel you to break the law. Get a copy of your local ordinance and mail it back to them with a letter explaining why you cannot legally comply with their request. If they continue to harass you, demand a hearing. Good luck. HOAs are a PIA.

This is why I have fake grass.. always looks good and never needs upkeep :)

housing associations are ridiculous and have no real power screw them!

That's what you get for moving into a neighborhood with a housing association

Then dont move into a neighborhood with housing covenants. This one is on you.

They cannot do this is CA due to the drought its illegal for them to fine you check your state policy.

Do nothing the fines will cancel each other out

sounds like Racketeering.

don't water, the law trumps them. Just dispute the fine from the housing association & take legal action in need be. You won't be able to dispute the fine from the government.