Watering the sidewalk: Is it legal?

You may have heard complaints about sprinklers watering the sidewalks, but is it legal?

As summer began, the complaints seemed to just pop up.

People were getting fed up with soaked ankles, just from taking a leisurely stroll.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s Deputy Brad Troyer said that residents often call the Sheriff’s Office to report rogue sprinklers.

We took to Facebook to see just how fed up folks are. Some were sopping mad, as comments flowed in.

It happens “Everywhere in Rexburg!” said one user.

“Concrete just will not grow in Eastern Idaho,” scoffed another.

One mom also commented, sick of having to keep her baby from getting soaked in the stroller.

While sidewalk sprinkling is irritating, Troyer said it’s totally legal in Bonneville County.

“That is annoying,” Troyer said. “But it’s not against the law.”

In order for this type of behavior to be illegal, Troyer said the sprinkler has to flood a roadway. The definition of a flood, however, can be hazy.

“The statute does not specify. I’m sure I’d be able to recognize it when I see it,” Troyer said.

Still, flooding is just an infraction. A first offense carries a penalty of up to $50, but as little as one dollar.

So, with that, we look to the opinion of some of our other Facebook commenters who will, “Put up with a little inconvenience in order to see luscious green grass.”

Idaho Falls residents pay a flat rate for water each month, plus a flat seasonal fee. The water department says watering the sidewalk doesn’t necessarily affect those fees, however officials do discourage it.