Residents to comply on first day of watering ban - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

Residents in Marion County are being put on notice that they could face stiff fines if they are caught breaking the Marion County watering ban.

Eyewitness News discovered a lot of neighbors turning each other in for watering their lawn or washing their car in the driveway, but most people are in compliance with the new, mandatory restrictions.

On day one of the watering ban Friday, homeowner John Lamborn is armed with his watering can.

"I'm getting the trees first, because we got three or four back here that we just planted this year," Lamborn said.

While Lamborn has no problem complying with the mandatory restrictions, he admits keeping his large garden alive in a drought with a sprinkler ban will be a challenge. It would take too much time to give all of them a good soaking without using a sprinkler.

"If they survive, they survive, if they don't they don't," Lamborn said.

It's what many people have resigned themselves to for lawns across Marion County. Eyewitness News found hoses rolled up and sprinklers turned off all across the area. Compliance seemed to be the norm.

"I think people are pretty responsible. They know that while this is unpleasant and disappointing, the farmers are the ones that are really hurting," Lamborn said.

There have been reports of violators. Already more than 100 calls have come in to the Mayor's Action Center, which takes neighbor complaints.

Enforcement will step up this weekend, with three full-time inspectors traveling around the county morning, noon and night, searching for sprinkling. There will be no warnings, no second chances. If you're caught, you will be fined.

"Anybody who is violating the ban should expect to pay the $100 citation," explained Indianapolis Code Enforcement spokesperson Kate Johnson. "People really need to understand that water levels are down. If we want service to continue the way we've been able to receive it, we need to stop watering the lawns."

And until significant rain falls our way, that's the law.

"I really need the rain. The sooner the better. This (watering can) will get old really fast," Lamborn said.

Citizens Energy Group says water usage as of Thursday, which are their latest numbers, is down since it set a record during the last week in June. The impact of the watering ban on water usage won't be known until after this weekend.

Water restrictions for central Indiana