U.S. Water News Online
DENVER -- About 400 people called Denver Water during a recent week to rat on their neighbors for violating the city's new mandatory water restrictions. Thousands more called just asking for information.
Another 300 e-mails have come in with similar concerns and complaints, said Trina McGuire-Collier, water department spokeswoman.
``We can't be everywhere at once, so we appreciate knowing,'' she said.
The restrictions, which took effect near the first of the month, allow customers to water their lawns every third day for a maximum of three hours. No watering is allowed between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
All outdoor fountains are required to be shut off, hoses cannot be used to clear sidewalks and restaurants can only serve water upon request.
Most violators are watering their lawns between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. or on the wrong days. One customer has been issued a warning.
One person called the water department's hotline asking for extra watering days to keep bonsai plants alive, and another insisted on 12 hours to water her lawn, McGuire-Collier said.
Denver Water officials have issued more than 200 ``friendly reminders'' to customers not following the rules, McGuire-Collier said.
``We won't be patient with people we know understand the rules and are violating it,'' said Charles Jordan of Denver Water. ``But we will be patient with those who are not familiar with it.''
Water use has fallen by between 25 and 30 percent since the restrictions went into effect.
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