The Common Law

My Neighbor Wastes Water, and It's Driving Me Crazy

My neighbor runs her sprinkler daily for hours during the middle of the day. I've told her to follow the city's watering regulations, but she hasn't listened. It drives me crazy that she wastes all that water. How can I report her? What kind of trouble can she get in?

You are right that in order to help conserve treated drinking water, the city of Austin has adopted a water use management ordinance (Chapter 6-4 of city code). Check out last week's "Common Law" column for more detailed information on the city's water use regulations and related information and exceptions.

Violations of the city watering schedule are class C misdemeanors, with each instance punishable by a fine of up to $500. While the ordinance is enforced, the city typically does not issue fines for first violations. According to the city, its primary goal is to work with customers to obtain compliance, not to issue fines. The city wants first to educate people about the proper way to water their landscapes and assist them in complying with the ordinance. The idea is that this allows violators who are often not even aware of the problem to make corrections immediately.

If you want to report your neighbor, you have several options, including the following: Call nonemergency 311, call the city of Austin's Water Conservation department (974-2199), or use the City's online reporting form (www.cityofaustin.org/watercon/water_leaks.cfm). Provide the city with as much information as you can (address, time, date, location, and specifics on alleged type of violation). In your case, you may want to let the city know that your neighbor is aware of the water use regulations but has simply chosen not to follow them.