SACRAMENTO-
A downtown Sacramento sprinkler system was running non-stop over the weekend, starting around midnight Saturday, according to neighbors.
About 41 sprinkler heads were watering a side lawn on the corner of Q and 12th streets.
The building, located at 1102 Q Street, which appears responsible for the sprinkler system houses the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s office, as well as other state offices.
“(It has been going on since) midnight last night, yeah, and then we woke up this morning at seven and it was still on,” said Patrick McGarrity, who lives across 12th street from where the sprinklers have been running.
“We’re trying to save water ourselves, and to see those things going all day long is kinda disappointing.”
FOX40 tried to let people inside the building know about the problem, but the doors were locked on Easter Sunday.
Calls to the Chancellor, Dr. Brice Harris’ office were not returned as of Sunday night.
With most of the water running off and going straight into the storm drain, other neighbors feel someone should be punished.
“A nice hefty fine I guess… A big building like that, I mean like I said it’s raining and stuff so it’s no reason that there’s sprinklers on,” said Erin Spears, who also lives across 12th Street.
New State watering rules state watering with portable water within 48 hours of a measurable rainfall is forbidden and could come with a $500 fine.
People who work at the building told FOX40 it’s managed by CB Richard Ellis, an office space real estate company in Sacramento.
FOX40 informed the building’s 24/7 security dispatch line, where an operator said maintenance would shut off the sprinkler soon.
The sprinkler system was finally shut off just before 10:30 p.m. on Sunday.
