Why Won't My Sidewalk Grow?

                Every morning, I look out my front window to see massive puddles surrounding all of the sidewalks and walkways around my place.  Was there a thunderstorm last night?  No.  It’s just the sprinklers giving the sidewalks their daily soaking.  The sprinkler system is set to go off every day, whether or not it is needed.  I have yet to figure out exactly what schedule they follow, as it seems almost random, day and night.  What I am sure of, is that I will have to jump and leap around the puddles just so I don’t get my feet wet.  

                Now I am not a fanatical “save the earth” type of person, but I do believe in being responsible and not wasteful.  I like a nice luscious green lawn as much as the next person, but is it really necessary?  I feel that other than on the golf course, it does not really make a difference if grass is thick and green or not.  But, my real issue here is the completely useless and unnecessary sprinkler system that is installed for all of the houses on my street.  There is one sprinkler that seems like it’s only purpose is to see how high up it can shoot.  It is not directed at any particular area of grass, just shoots straight up in the air about 10 to 15 feet high.  Another one reminds me of a nice water fountain that you would see in a small backyard pond, just gushing and bubbling out in one flow, creating a nice pool of water right at my neighbor’s front step.  The ones right outside my door sure do a fine job of watering my sidewalk, as the two sprinklers seems to be directed right at the concrete. 

                I have an issue with the sprinklers around the back of my house because they seem to go off at irregular times, but always between 1:00 am and 5:00 am.  This wouldn’t be an issue, except for when they turn on, it sounds like my house is coming under siege by an army of fire hose wielding soldiers.  They are so loud, that if I was able to fall asleep somewhat early that night, I will definitely be woken up. Half asleep, startled and perplexed, it will take a moment or two to realize that I am not under attack.   

                The lawns in my area look okay, not great but not brown and dying.  But I just can’t seem to see any difference in my sidewalks!  They just don’t seem to be responding to all of the lovely water that they are given daily, and definitely haven’t grown thicker or stronger.  Even though October is just around the corner, the sprinklers are still going off, just to make sure the grass is still being nourished.  I think it is about time to turn off the system for the year.  The grass surely will turn brown soon, and I would love to be able to sleep through the night, and not have to avoid all of the puddles on a daily basis.