It's pretty difficult to respond to people who write anonymous letters to the editor, but I got one last week that is probably of note.

It purported to be written by a resident who recently moved to Jordan and learned of the watering restrictions the city enforces.  But the writer's neighbor allegedly does not follow the law.

What should be done? the writer asked.

"Am I being a bad neighbor if I turn them in, or am I a bad resident of this city if I do not?" the letter said. "Furthermore, who should I even call, for that matter?" 

Usually, the staff of your local newspaper doesn't respond to letter writers who don't sign their name. But in this case, the questions are of general interest.  So here goes:

- Are you a bad neighbor if you call the police to enforce the watering ban? No, but if I was breaking the law and my neighbors noticed, I'd appreciate them knocking on the door and reminding me of the law. A good-intentioned neighbor would accept a little criticism from a fellow good-intentioned neighbor.

- Are you a bad resident of the city if you don't turn someone in? I'm not sure bad is the best word to describe it, but if you want the ordinance enforced, you need to call. it's impossible for the police to enforce ordinances without knowing who is breaking them. 

For more information about the watering ban in Jordan, read Police Chief Bob Malz's column in the Aug. 2 edition of the Jordan Independent. To read more blogs about government operations, join the online group Government Observers.