Guide To S. Fla. Water Restrictions
South Florida's Year-Round Water Restrictions, What Does That Mean To Me?
The Year-Round Conservation Measures Landscape Irrigation rule establishes a two-day-a-week landscape watering schedule throughout the District, with a three-day-a-week provision for users in some counties. In all cases, re-use water used for irrigation is exempt from restrictions. With little recent rainfall, and forecasts for continuing dry conditions, water conservation is even more important.
Here Are The Restrictions:
Watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Hand-watering with one hose fitted with an automatic shut-off nozzle is allowed for 10 minutes per day for landscape stress relief and to prevent plant die-off.
Restrictions apply to all users of municipal and county water utilities and wells.
Residents and businesses with an ODD-numbered street address (ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Lawn watering is permitted on WEDNESDAYS and SATURDAYS from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or from 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Residents and businesses with an EVEN-numbered street address (ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, 8*), no street address, or who water both even and odd addresses within the same zones, including multi-family units and Homeowner Associations: Lawn watering is permitted on THURSDAYS and SUNDAYS from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or from 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Residents should choose from one of two "watering windows" (before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.) on their designated irrigation days. For the most efficient use of water, residents should avoid irrigating during both time periods on the same day.
To report a water restriction violation, please call 3-1-1.
Some exceptions
Restrictions don't apply for car and boat washing, pressure cleaning of paved surfaces, decorative fountains and water-based recreation (e.g. swimming pools, water slides).
Golf courses have no restrictions.
Users of 100 percent reclaimed water are exempt from restrictions, but encouraged to conserve water.
Low-volume irrigation, including the use of drop and micro jet systems that apply water directly to plant root zones, is not restricted but is encouraged to be reduced.
Newly Planted Garden and Landscaping
New landscaping can be watered during the corresponding hours listed above every day, except Fridays, for the first 90 days it is installed. Save the receipt with the date of purchase. When unable to water during specific hours, call 3-1-1 to apply for a variance.
The South Florida Water Management District continues to ask that residents take more aggressive action to conserve water by taking shorter showers, washing only full loads in dishwashers or clothes washers, and repairing any leaky fixtures.
In Addition To Watering Restrictions, What Else Should I Know?
Home owners with pools are allowed to fill them. Re-circulating fountains, or similar ornamental water features can be operated as long as the water doesn't leak or overflow.
Sidewalks, driveways and other paved surfaces can be washed with low-pressure cleaning equipment only.
Do I Still Need To Conserve If It Rains?
Yes, rainfall in South Florida is usually very localized, sometimes raining on one side of the street and not on the other, or in one area, but not across a region. All areas in South Florida depend on the same interconnected system of ground and surface water, with Lake Okeechobee serving as the back up water supply.
What is the easiest way to conserve the most water?
Simply turn off your sprinklers. Lawn irrigation counts for about 50 percent of drinking water used in South Florida. Water only when your lawn shows signs of wilt and only when it has not rained.
Most people in South Florida water their lawns more than needed. In fact, frequent watering is ineffective especially for lawns, because it causes grass to develop shallow roots and become vulnerable to disease, pests, and daily dryout. During the fall/winter season, November through March, your lawn will need from an inch to an inch and a half of water every 5 – 7 days.
How Will I Know If I'm Cutting Back Enough?
Residential users need only to ensure they are watering and/or washing their vehicles and boats within the specified times.
The SFWMD monitors water levels daily. From how much water they supply to various canals for consumptive use, to which agricultural and commercial ventures are drawing from which canals. The District uses this information to identify potential violators.
If I See Someone Not Complying With The Restrictions, Who Should I Call?
Residents are encouraged to report violators to the local code enforcement or law enforcement office. If you choose to notify your local law enforcement agency, please call their non-emergency number.
What Happens If I Don't Follow These Restrictions?
Residential fines vary by municipality but typically range from $25.00 to $125.00 for a first offense.
Water Conservation Hotline: (800) 662-8876
Click Here for more conservation tips from the South Florida Water Management District.
