LINCOLN -- Starting Monday, Lincoln Police will begin issuing tickets to property owners violating the city's mandatory watering restrictions. Warnings will no longer be issued according to Public Safety Director Tom Casady. Since the restrictions went into effect August 9th, Police have responded to 475 reported violations in Lincoln, with two citations being issued.
“This year, a tan yard is a sign of good citizenship,” Casady said at a news conference in his front yard, where he has allowed his grass to go dormant. “We desperately need more people to think twice about the importance of lush lawns in comparison to the critical water needs of the community. Ten days has been plenty of warning. I think we've been quite patient with people who have claimed that they were unaware of the restrictions or hadn’t reset their timers.”
Property owners with street addresses ending in an even number (0, 2,4,6,and 8) can water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Odd numbered addresses (numbers ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9) can water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. No watering is allowed on Mondays, except for designated uses. Violators who are convicted may be punished by a fine of up to $500 dollars or up to six months in jail or both. Each day that a violation continues is a separate offense. Violations can be reported to the LPD non-emergency number - 402-441-6000.