Friday, May 2, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.
Jim White doesn't really like being called a water cop.
But beginning this week, his job is to patrol Las Vegas' maze of cul-de-sacs and neigborhood streets, just like any police officer might, trying to track down the sources of water running down gutters.
White enforces the countywide ban on lawn watering between noon and 7 p.m., which went into effect Thursday and continues through Oct. 1. The ban is intended to prevent water waste, since water will evaporate in the heat of the day without even getting to grass roots.
White said his job rarely requires him to issue citations. Most people will change their sprinkler system clocks as soon as they're asked, he said. "Usually we just knock on the door and talk to the resident, especially at this time of year," he said.
White said most people are glad to have the advice, especially when it comes to setting their clocks.
A lawn's water needs vary depending on the weather, he said. The best way to save water is to adjust your clock frequently and make sure the sprinkler system is well-maintained, he said.
White also encourages people to reduce the amount of grass in their front yards, installing "xeriscaping," or desert landscaping, in areas where grass isn't necessary.
"I like being able to steer people toward landscapes that are beautiful," he said. "I'd like to see us develop a landscape style that's unique to the area."
He said he's encouraged by seeing older neighborhoods adjust to the watering restrictions and install some desert landscaping.
The Las Vegas Valley Water District will refund part of the cost of re-landscaping about 550 yards this year as part of a study on desert landscaping.
White said the study will give about 200 people a chance to get about $900 back if they remove grass from their yard.
The water district can be reached at 258-3102 for most of the day and until 10 p.m. Complaints logged at that number will be investigated by one of the 25 water cops -- "conservation and water audit technicians" -- and, if necessary, citations issued.
White said he is sometimes glad to get a little attention. One time, he came across a 35-foot geyser from a broken sprinkler head at the busy intersection of Sunset Road and Green Valley Parkway.
"I was out there, trying to shut off the valve, getting drenched, and I finally found the valve, got it shut off as this CAT bus was going by," he said. "They gave me a round of applause."
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