City tries to enforce water limits with less personnel

As temperatures continue to soar into the 90s this summer, some Carson City residents are frustrated because, they say, the city is not cracking down on water wasters.

Tim Holdsworth, who lives on Bristol Place in Kings Canyon, said he has called the city a number of times about a neighbor watering a new lawn in the middle of the afternoon, resulting in a lot of runoff.

"We have a neighbor that has put in a new lawn, and waters at all times during the day. I called the water department supervisor and explained, and his answer was he no longer has any water patrols, and only one man in the field," Holdsworth said.

"I don't understand. When I moved here 16 years ago from Reno, water during the summer was about $35. Now it is over $100. They are again raising the water and sewer bill, yet they don't have the manpower to check illegal watering," he said.

"I understand that restrictions don't apply for new lawns, but why are they watering at 3 in the afternoon in 90 degrees, and why is it running down the street? That's absolutely ridiculous," he said. "My main problem is that our rates keep going up, but they can't afford to have anyone in the field."

According to the city's website: "To help protect one of our most precious resources, Carson City Municipal Code Ordinance 12.01.120 prohibits waste of water running along the street, gutter or storm drain."

Public Works Director Andy Burnham said that in past years, the city has hired half a dozen or so water watchers whose sole responsibility was to enforce summer water restrictions.

"This year we didn't hire any of our seasonal folks - trying to save a little money - but we're still investigating leaks and reports," Burnham said. "We're doing it as we can get to it."

Meanwhile, Burnham said, the city doesn't expect any water shortages this year.

"We had such a wet year this year, we have lots of reserves, and our demand has not been horrible so far," he said.

The board of supervisors will consider a number of rate hikes - including water - when it meets at 2 p.m. today.

WATER ORDINANCE

According to the city's website, water restrictions are in effect from June 1 to Sept. 30 and include the following:

• Hand watering is allowed when flowers, shrubs and vegetables need a little extra.

• Watering is discouraged when temperatures are too high or conditions are windy.

• The watering schedule is three days per week. The last number of your address determines your odd or even status. Odd watering days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Even watering days are Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There is no watering on Mondays.

• Watering is NOT allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

• An exemption may be requested and is subject to approval for Carson City licensed commercial gardeners or commercial caretakers who are on the premises at the time watering is taking place; new lawns for 21 days from planting or installation; vegetable gardens; complexes that file for and receive approval of an irrigation plan; and accommodations for people with handicaps or disabilities.

For more information, call 887-2355 ext. 7397, or go to 3505 Butti Way.