But in June, Berry left that job enforcing city laws against water waste to take another Tucson Water position. His departure as water conservation specialist and half-time water cop leaves an enforcement void that will last through the summer, when water use and public complaints about water waste typically peak.

That gap is symbolic of a series of problems that have plagued the city’s program to enforce its 23-year-old law forbidding anyone from letting water run down the street or otherwise squandering it.

Staff shortages, the city’s failure to fine violators, problems with repeat offenders, and uncertainty about whether the program really works have brought criticism.

Until Berry’s replacement arrives, other Tucson Water employees will pitch in as temporary water cops. They’ll be led by the city’s six Zanjeros (Spanish for water managers), who also go to customers’ homes and identify leaks. But overall, enforcement against water waste will be reduced.