KIRO 7 crews were at Ballard Commons Park on Tuesday and several people questioned why several fountains were running nonstop.

"For the life of me, I don't understand why they're running water today in the parks," Phyllis Delorme said. "Let's save some time and money somewhere."

Delmore said she was angry that the fountains would be running at a time when government is making cuts to things like social services.

Gelsey Hanson agreed.

"It seems a bit chilly," she said. "I'm certainly not ready to put a swimsuit on myself or my baby."

The Seattle Parks Department said that the water is switched on at the same time every year, regardless of the weather.

"It's going to be almost 60 on Thursday," said Dewey Potter with the department. "We don't know when that's going to happen, so we just have to plan it and stick with our plan."

Potter added that most of the water is recirculated, so it's not wasted.

The water stays on throughout the summer, too, which is more efficient than having park staffers turn it on and off, Potter said. As for the electricity used, "it's a tiny, tiny amount and I can guarantee you we'd be flooded with complaints if we didn't turn them on, on the first warm and sunny day," Potter said.

Some at the park welcomed the spray, even though it was still pretty chilly at about 50 degrees.

"I think it's perfect timing," Lydia Glassman said. "The sun's shining and it feels good out here."

"It's relaxing just to watch it, even if there's no kids playing," Connie Gersberg said.

And in fact, as the afternoon wore on, temperatures climbed a few degrees and about half a dozen kids jumped in.

Thanks to MyBallard for providing information to help with this story.