Bill Conine: How could I overwater if my sprinklers were off?

I received a “Notice of Violation” on June 23. What I can’t understand is the form left on my door citing me for “Water running or spraying off property.”

The time on the violation was approximately 10 minutes before the water came on. The person who left the notice didn’t bother to knock on the open front door, but left it without any explanation. I water the front lawn on the required days, 5 minutes per station. My lawn is on a downward slope and at times the winds will carry the water off the lawn. I have adjusted the sprinkler heads many times, but the inconsistent water pressure fluctuates day to day.

The whole purpose of the city’s conservation program is to instruct the public. I called the number on the notice to inquire the reason for the violation and left a message. So far no return phone call. I don’t mind following the city’s directives, but seeing the lack of enforcement in Modesto as a whole – not to mention the municipal and school grounds over-watering – makes me ill. For once, I would like to see some efficiency in city government and its programs.

This story was originally published June 29, 2015 at 5:54 PM with the headline "Bill Conine: How could I overwater if my sprinklers were off?."