Tag: irrigation

Posted in neighbor

A river runs through it

Posted on by William Douthwaite

I’ve been walking by this house every Sunday morning for the past year, watching the river flow from the irrigation system out into the street, filling up the neighbors’ drainage swales.

Along with you, I’ve wondered, “Does anyone live there?” Answer: no. A German woman who used to wander up and down the street in her housecoat died a couple of years ago. I haven’t seen anyone go in or out since then. I haven’t ever seen a car in the driveway, either. But someone cuts the lawn.

Aren’t the neighbors concerned about the weekly flood that runs past their house? Some have called city code enforcement for lesser things. Why not this? It’s never bothered me enough to call.

This woman’s twin sister still lives a few houses up the street. She never drives by? She’s never noticed the water?

I’m assuming they have a well. I could be wrong, but I doubt anyone who pay for city water to run down the street. It’s not cheap.

So it’s a mystery. It has become part of the landscape, along with gaudy lawn ornaments, security system signs, and flags of various nationalities.

Posted in waste

A wonderful (misdirected) stream of water

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Twice in two weeks I’ve come across a water sprinkler doing nothing more than spouting water onto a driveway in my neighborhood.

The first time was in the predawn hours of a Sunday morning. On those days I take the dogs out before sunrise and getting ready for church. I heard the sound before I saw it. The dogs’ ears perked up as we came around the corner and heard water pounding on a driveway. Since the outside lights were on, I got a good shot of the stream arching onto concrete.

The second time was tonight, on our pre-sunset tour of the neighborhood. It’s a different house, but the scene is the same. Irrigation water arches across the driveway, completely missing anything that might grow.

I know it’s not that big a deal. Each probably has a well, so we aren’t wasting city water. I’m just amazed no one notices – except me and the dogs.

First of all, it’s loud. I can hear the sound of water splashing across the driveway about fifty yards away. No one hears that from inside the house?

Also, nothing in that zone is being watered. No one notices the sad spots in the lawn?

And doesn’t anyone notice the puddles in the driveway?

I don’t have an irrigation system, so I’ve never experienced the challenge of maintaining sprinklers. When the grass looks thirsty, I pray for rain. From what I’ve heard, the sandy Florida soil constantly clogs irrigation systems. This upkeep battle never ends.

Having written this, I feel guilty. I should be the one who lets my neighbor know that his sprinkler heads need attention. If I can, I promise I will.