When Voluntary is Not Voluntary

It’s a dry, hot summer in Houston.  Dry, as in it has not rained in June.  Hot, as in it hit 104 several days this week.

So today, the inevitable happened.  We got a notice of Voluntary Water Conservation.

It’s voluntary, but if you don’t agree to voluntarily follow the rules, you can either have your water shut off or be fined $5000.

I know a bunch of lawyers poured over the document that was sent out to residents.  And I also understand the reasons behind the required new water usage rules.  But I’m still struggling to understand the new definition of voluntary.  Sounds more like mandatory.

As I ponder this new set of rules and definitions, and at the same time try to figure out how I’m going to keep my yard alive by watering between midnight and 6 a.m., I’m wondering what the definition of mandatory conservation might look like.

And certainly hoping it doesn’t get to that.