Mayor's Action Center sees uptick in calls on watering ban - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Hours before Marion County's mandatory watering ban took effect at noon Friday, a few homeowners were getting in one last soaking.

Becky Rougraff had the sprinkler running over her new grass.

"We just finished an addition and had baby grass and trees and new landscaping, so we're just trying to keep it from dying," Rougraff said.

She stressed that after the ban took effect, the sprinkler would remain off.

"We'll try to keep the little trees alive, but if we have to reseed (the grass) this fall, we will," she said.

The city and Citizens Water are counting on homeowners and businesses to comply with the new ban. And if they don't? Code Enforcement's Kate Johnson said they'll get more than a warning.

"We've done quite a good deal of outreach and education and I think we all understand the public safety impact this has. It's a really big issue, so if you're out watering your grass this afternoon, you should be prepared to pay $100," Johnson said.

She said Code Enforcement is assigning three inspectors to enforce the ban full-time starting at 6 a.m. Saturday. Johnson said they'll focus first on heavy-use areas including the sprawling commercial and residential properties on the northeast and northwest sides of the city.

They can count on the public to help. The mayor's action center took more than 70 calls on the ban Friday morning - some with questions, others ready to rat on their neighbors.

"A lot of people are willing to turn each other in. We've had a lot of people calling," said MAC customer service rep Carolyn Eck.

But she said few if any called to complain about the ban itself.

Joan Warrick, who was using a hose to water her plants Friday (which is allowed) called the ban "fair."

"Water is not unlimited and this is the worse it's ever been so you just go with the flow at this point," Warrick said.

Steve Hubert, who stopped watering his grass weeks ago agreed, adding, "I think they should have started it a couple of weeks ago, they knew it was coming. The long-range forecast was no rain."

But there was still some confusion surrounding the ban. Melody Collum had her sprinkler going full blast Friday afternoon. When asked why, she said, "I didn't realize you weren't supposed to water today. I thought I heard you had to wait until Friday."

Collum immediately turned the water off, saying she felt badly and wouldn't be using the sprinkler anymore.

"I don't care about the lawn as much as the flowers," she said.

Collum was relieved to learn she could still water them by hand.

Late Thursday afternoon, Citizens Water reported the ban was already seeing results. Water usage had dropped dramatically.

Johnson said inspectors would be out on a daily basis monitoring and responding to complaints until the ban is lifted.

This is the first time a mandatory water been has been enacted in Marion County.

Mayor's Action Center - It's best to have a chat with your neighbor to let them know about the ban if you notice they are watering their lawn, washing their car or hosing down their sidewalk. However, if you see a repeat violator and you're concerned, click the link to fill out a form.

See more questions and answers on the watering ban.

See watering restrictions for communities in central Indiana. (This lists fines, exemptions and restrictions for several towns and cities.)

Water conservation tips.