Anyone received a SAWS fine for watering on the wrong day? (San Antonio: gated, inspectors)

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by Lee W.

I'm just wondering what the effects of those watering hours are on electrical usage across the area. Since many don't have programmable automatic watering systems and some people might get up early and turn on the outside lights before the sun comes up so they can water. Or do it in the evening after the sun sets...again more lights on then than usual too. Higher bills, more strain on the electrical grid? Also, how much money will S.A. rake in as far as fines?

Do you really need lights on to water??? I water before the sun comes up, there's enough moonlight to see usually. I never turn on the outside lights for watering.

As for the "idiots" who happen to be concerned about the long term consequences of water use, is it really so important that your lawn - in a DRY climate - be green? More important than having water to drink? To prepare food?
There's a reason we need to conserve NOW, before it's too late.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by WilGar

"Sitting in front of neighbor's house with A/C on and idling.......". Anyone else wonder the "carbon footprint" is of the water police?

The statement I saw was "sitting in front of my neighbor's house", no mention of idling or a/c.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by WilGar

I care. Am I the only one tired of a heavy handed person sticking their nose in my business being paid by my tax money?

Your business is not entirely your own unless you have your own private source of water - not well water, not aquifer water, but some magical source that comes from somewhere were taking it affects no one and no natural life.

Water is a common resource. Because too many people believe they have all rights to it, all the time, government has to step in to avoid complete destruction of that resource.

[WilGar]

Originally Posted by Chaka

The statement I saw was "sitting in front of my neighbor's house", no mention of idling or a/c.

"Idle", "in airconditioning", "city worker" just seemed like a natural progression. If wrong, I will admit it.

[sapphire]

It's 101*, the vehicle and gas are not his, that a/c and vehicle are running. Please.

[Chaka]

Originally Posted by LindaGrace

I just saw a SAWS truck sitting in front of my neighbor's house. My neighbor's lawn is lush and green. All the time. Even now. Everyone else on the street waters legally and our lawns are not so lush and not so green. I'm not saying the guy's a water cheat but there is something going on over there. I'm hoping he's using that organic spray paint to keep his yard so green.

I share your skepticism, however, it is possible he's watering only on his alloted days. I didn't realize how much greener my lawn was until loads of people commented on it. I water no more than 1x/per week during stage 2 (Haven't watered at all since June 29), but it's zoysia in shade and doing just fine. Up close you can see a few patches, esp where the sun hits it, but from the street, it tends to look lush and green. Some areas do get a bit of a/c runoff water, but I mostly collect that. My bermuda in full sun is looking lousy, but I'm going to solarize that anyway and pull it out.

[RGJ]

Just adding something....Do the water police have gate access codes to be able to patrol the gated areas of the city? What about guarded entrances? Do the guards at the gate automatically let the water police in?

[MattTx]

Originally Posted by RGJ

Just adding something....Do the water police have gate access codes to be able to patrol the gated areas of the city? What about guarded entrances? Do the guards at the gate automatically let the water police in?

Living in a gated community shouldn't make it easier to disregard the watering rules imposed on us.

I would assume the guards should let them in.

[die Eichkatze]

Originally Posted by RGJ

Just adding something....Do the water police have gate access codes to be able to patrol the gated areas of the city? What about guarded entrances? Do the guards at the gate automatically let the water police in?

If they are getting their water from SAWS then yes, they have to have access to their system...now whether they actually go in there is up for debate...

Originally Posted by WilGar

The rules are the rules for a reason-Right? Really? Do you recall the Stage 1-4 water level heights five years ago? They have substantially been raised to a higher threshold. Why, I have my suspicions and none of them are the same as SAWS. Certainly none has anything to do with the sustainability of the aquifer to provide an endless supply of water to South Texas.

I think they raised the levels in order to maintain higher springflow, and in turn, higher river levels for downstream users...This is due to state requirements on environmental flows (maintaining healthy freshwater inflows into bays/esturaries)


If they don't have a time stamped photo of the violation, they have no proof!

[RGJ]

I was asking about the gated communities only because my work takes me there and I've noticed a lot of people watering during the off times and days....just saying....