New watering restrictions will take effect on March 9 for residents and businesses across multiple Florida counties to promote water conservation and maintain healthy landscapes, officials announced.
St. Johns River Water Management District has implemented a twice-a-week irrigation schedule amid temperatures rising for Marion, Lake, Seminole, Orange, and Volusia counties, which are part of the Upper Ocklawaha River and Middle St. Johns River basins. However, officials advise that watering should only be done based on weather conditions and signs of lawn stress.
Watering Rules and Schedule
To optimize water usage, the following guidelines must be followed:
- For Residential Properties:
- Odd-numbered or no address: Wednesday and Saturday
- Even-numbered addresses: Thursday and Sunday
- For Nonresidential Properties: Tuesday and Friday
- Restricted Hours: Watering is not allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to prevent excessive evaporation and enhance soil absorption.
- Duration Limit: Watering is restricted to one hour per irrigation zone.
- Coverage: Private wells, pumps, surface or groundwater, and water supplied by public and private utilities are included in these restrictions. However, those using reclaimed water for irrigation are exempt.
These measures will stay in effect until Sunday, November 2.
The Significance of Watering Restrictions
Limiting watering to twice per week is meant to help balance demand while preventing excessive consumption. During the cooler months of fall and winter, when rainfall is more frequent, watering restrictions will revert to once a week.
These conservation efforts are essential for preserving the region’s water supply, safeguarding local ecosystems, and reducing overwatering, which can lead to runoff and wasted resources. According to the St. Johns River Water Management District, public water consumption is the largest category of use, amounting to approximately 626 million gallons per day, with a significant portion allocated to outdoor irrigation.
By adapting irrigation habits, residents and businesses can contribute to the long-term sustainability of Florida’s water resources.
For more information on water conservation and district regulations, visit www.sjrwmd.com.