Written by John Katterjohn
Friday, the 13th, is actually bringing us some really bad luck. We are in the height of a major drought and the city has issued a watering ban. That’s two strikes against our landscape plants. Let’s hope we get some much needed rain and cooler temperatures.
The water warning declaration signed by Mayor Ballard (Executive Order No. 4, 2012) on July 11th details what a gardener can and cannot do. There are some gray areas that can be interpreted in different ways. Our office spent the better part of Thursday morning talking with lawyers, city of Indianapolis code enforcement, the water company, irrigation companies, and representatives from landscaping organizations. The following bullet points indicate what we have learned.
- No one is allowed to water turf grass by any method (sod farms, municipal parks, and golf courses are exempt)
- Landscape plants and vegetable gardens may be watered by hand with a sprinkling can or hose equipped with a shut-off valve
- Washing cars, trucks, sidewalks, driveways, or structures is prohibited (commercial car wash companies are exempt if they are equipped with water recycling equipment)
- You may not fill an empty swimming pool
- Landscape companies are allowed to install new plantings
- Irrigation systems that water only planting beds may be used (however, if code enforcement receives a complaint you will get a visit from them and be asked to turn off the system)
- Violations of the restrictions will induce a warning from code enforcement, subsequent violations will induce monetary fines that escalate with each new violation
These main points are what we have learned through talking with the afore-mentioned entities. These restrictions will remain in place until weather and environmental conditions improve. If the drought conditions continue further restrictions will be issued. It is possible that we will face a complete ban on all outdoor uses of water.