Code Enforcement Inspectors patrol looking for water violators

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - In Indianapolis and parts of Marion County watering your lawn is against the law. On Saturday code enforcement inspectors went searching for those still trying keep their grass green.

It was bright and early Saturday morning when a crew from code enforcement with ticket books in hand hit the streets. “We're out with our environmental inspection team this morning, looking for violations of the water ban,” explains Kate Johnson PIO of the Department of Code Enforcement.

Less than 24 hours after the ban was put in place inspectors with the Department of Code Enforcement started focusing their efforts on high users like apartment complexes. They also hit an area northwest of the city where Citizens Water reports the most usage and they found one. “I think right now they're trying to see if there was a property owner onsite that they can talk to about the water ban and what the provisions require,” says Johnson.

That's a $100 fine, but the rest of the morning inspectors found a lot of water spots just no sprinklers. “Our policy is going to for that we catch them while watering before issuing a citation,” explains the Deputy Director Adam Collins. “The third or 4th incident that we catch somebody they go to court so we want to make sure that that 1st incident we're absolutely sure that they have in fact been watering.”

For those who weren't caught red handed they received a notice explaining the water ban and inspectors say the complex owners should take note because they will be making another visit. “We have an idea roughly from citizens when the highest usage tends to occur so we're going to match that up in the most critical areas and be out taking a look at identified locations,” explains Collins. “We're going to notify them and let them know so if there is any sprinklering going on hopefully it will stop today.”

The Department of Code Enforcement has dedicated their environmental inspectors to monitoring high users, like businesses and multi family units. There are 24 property inspectors who will be targeting residential areas, most of those will come from tips received by the Mayor's Action Center. If you would like to call in a complaint or question about the water ban call 327-4622.