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The Southwest Florida Water Management District voted January 27, to limit lawn irrigation to one day a week from Feb. 8 through July 1. The rule applies countywide, including to homes on private wells.
The restrictions are part of the board’s decision to declare a modified Phase II “Severe” water shortage. The move bumps the region up from the Phase I water shortage order issued on Nov. 18, which only prohibited “wasteful and unnecessary” water use.
District leaders say conditions have continued to worsen since then.
The region finished its rainy season well below average, with a 13-inch rainfall deficit for the year. Water levels in aquifers, rivers, and lakes have continued to fall and public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are below normal levels.
The dry weather has also prompted area fire departments to issue burn bans.
Outdoor irrigation accounts for more than 50% of household water use, district officials say. Reducing lawn watering is one of the fastest ways residents can help.
How watering days work
Under the standard schedule, watering days depend on the last digit of the house number in your address:
- 0 or 1: Monday
- 2 or 3: Tuesday
- 4 or 5: Wednesday
- 6 or 7: Thursday
- 8 or 9 and properties without a clear address: Friday
Unless a city or county already has stricter rules:
- Properties under two acres may water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- Properties two acres or larger may water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Violations could result in a citation and fine from the city or county.
Low-volume watering — including micro-irrigation, soaker hoses and hand watering — is still allowed any day.
What else changes
You can still pressure-wash once a year, or when getting ready to paint or seal. Decorative fountains are limited to eight hours a day, and washing your car at home is allowed only on your assigned watering day. HOAs can’t require extra watering to keep up appearances.
The district’s website outlines policies for new lawns and plants, cemeteries, reclaimed water and more.
Local utilities will be responsible for enforcement. The district has directed them to review their procedures, track enforcement activity and report back as dry conditions continue.
For tips on saving water, residents can visit WaterMatters.org.
The restrictions apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands and Lake counties; the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County; and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Lee County.
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My question is why large residential-apartment complexes continue to be approved?? Why hasn’t the the Southwest Florida Management Water District tighten the controls on out of control growth?? Doesn’t take a whole of thought that large residential and especially large apartment complexes are going to use large amounts of water. Nothing should be approved until the water is available to support the growth. We all know this is not going to happen but we better understand we are running out of potable water. The aquifer is being depleted and wells have to be drilled below the aquifer. Water will cost us as much as our electricity. Two deep water wells are currently being drilled below the aquifer in Polk County to handle the out of control growth. Future water bills are going to be substantially higher than today. Cost of living continues to climb as somebody has to pay for the growth. Who pays?? We the taxpayers. Who benefits?? Not the taxpayer. Investors, developers, contractors, and politicians do.