Residents in Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade, Monroe, St. Lucie -- and in coastal areas of Lee, Martin and Palm Beach counties, may irrigate TWO days a week, on the following schedule:
Residents and businesses with an ODD numbered 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 with an EVEN numbered 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" on their designated irrigation days. For the most efficient use of water, residents should AVOID irrigating during both time periods on the same day.
Does this new schedule include the City of West Palm Beach?
A:
Yes. Residents of the City of West Palm Beach and customers outside of the city limits who receive their water utility services from the City of West Palm Beach can also follow the new twice-weekly watering schedule.
Exemptions
Q:
Is anyone automatically exempted from these restrictions?
A:
Yes. The Town of Highland Beach in Palm Beach County uses water drawn from the Floridan Aquifer, a deeper source of fresh water than is available throughout the rest of South Florida. These residents are not required to follow water restrictions, but are still encouraged to conserve water.
Q:
Do these restrictions apply to South Florida residents using 100 percent reuse or reclaimed water for irrigation?
A:
Irrigation using 100 percent reclaimed water is allowed from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. six days per week, with NO irrigation allowed on FRIDAY.
Water reclaimed from water sewage treatment plants is not meant for drinking and is used almost exclusively for irrigation. It is usually transferred through purple pipes.
Other Communities/Water Districts
Q:
What about the City of Cape Coral?
A:
Restrictions apply to ALL Users, and all traditional sources (utility, private well or withdrawals from a canal, lake or pond)
Residential Users, if your address ends in:
0, water on Monday and/or Friday from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m.
1, water on Monday and/or Friday from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.
2 and 4, water on Thursday and/or Sunday from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m.
3 and 5, water on Wednesday and/or Saturday from 12:01 a.m. 4 a.m.
6 and 8, water on Thursday and/or Sunday from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.
7 and 9, water on Wednesday and/or Saturday from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Non Residential and Residential Duplexes and Multi-Family Units
Includes entities such as office buildings, commercial complexes, retail shopping centers, government buildings, schools and homeowners associations.
What lawn watering schedule will be in place in Orange, Osceola, Charlotte Highlands and Polk counties beginning April 18?
A:
Several counties are divided by the South Florida Water Management District and another of the state's five water management districts.
Orange and Osceola Counties
Follow lawn irrigation restrictions set by the St. Johns River Water Management District. SJRWMD's restrictions are online at: sjr.state.fl.us/irrigationrule/
Charlotte, Highlands & Polk Counties
Follow lawn irrigation restrictions set by the
Southwest Florida Water Management. SWFWMD's restrictions are online at: www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/drought/
Where will once-weekly watering restrictions remain in effect after other areas move to altered restrictions on April 18?
A:
Utility customers in Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, the City of Lake Worth and Lantana and portions of unincorporated Lee County, including the Lehigh Acres area, will remain on once-weekly watering restrictions.
Utility customers in Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, the City of Lake Worth and Lantana, ODD-numbered addresses can water lawns and landscapes on Mondays from either 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. or from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
EVEN-numbered addresses can water lawns and landscapes on Thursdays from either 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. or from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
(includes the Everglades Agricultural Area and portions of Glades, Hendry, Okeechobee and western Palm Beach and Martin counties)
Q:
What are the restrictions for Residential and Business (non-agricultural) users in LOSA?
A:
Irrigation
(Restrictions apply to all traditional sources of water - from a utility, a private well or withdrawals from a canal, lake or pond )
Less than 5 acres
5 acres or more
ODD address: Monday
EVEN or NO address: Thursday Choose one
4 hour window - either 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. OR 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. - NOT during both time periods.
ODD address: Monday
EVEN or NO address: Thursday Choose either - either 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. OR 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. - NOT during both time periods.
Multi-Address Family and Commercial Complexes
(Includes homeowners associations, office complexes, retail shopping centers and other such entities. Does NOT include nurseries, golf courses or farms.)
Less than 5 acres
5 acres or more
If both ODD and EVEN addresses are irrigated: THURSDAYS Choose one
4 hour window - either 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. OR 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. - NOT during both time periods.
If both ODD and EVEN addresses are irrigated: THURSDAYS 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. AND 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. (To cycle through all irrigation zones). No area may be irrigated more than one time per week.
New Plants/Landscaping in Lake Okeechobee Service Area (LOSA)
Q:
When can I water newly planted sod, trees or other landscaping?
A:
Additional days and times are available for new plantings:
New landscaping can be watered without regard to restrictions on the first day it is installed.
Landscaping that has been in place from 2 days to 31 days can be watered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and/or Sundays.
Landscaping that has been in place from 31 days to 60 days can be watered on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Additional watering days can only be used to benefit new landscaping, and an entire irrigation system zone may only be watered if it contains at least 50 percent new landscaping.
Related Questions
Q:
How much of these expanded watering opportunities should I use to irrigate my lawn?
A:
Lawns and landscapes only NEED about 3/4 - 1 inch of water each week. For smaller lawns, it can take as little as two hours of irrigation per week to keep the lawn healthy. When it rains during the week, there may be no need to water the lawn at all.
Q:
Instead of changing the designated watering days, why weren't more days added to the current schedule?
A:
We are returning to the same Wednesday/Saturday and Thursday/Sunday schedule used before water supply conditions made it necessary to move to once-weekly watering. Under this schedule, every address has a weekday and weekend day opportunity to irrigate, while maintaining FRIDAYS as a NO WATERING day for everyone.
Lawn irrigation can use up to 50 percent of the available daily water supply. Limiting it to two consecutive days with at least one no-watering day in between will reduce stress on the water supply. Some water utility companies could face water pressure problems if irrigation was allowed for several days in a row, for example, from Monday through Thursday.
New Plants/Landscaping
Q:
When can I water my newly planted landscaping and sod?
A:
For residents of Broward, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Okeechobee, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties, (except residents of the Town of Highland Beach), new plantings, sod or landscaping in place for 30 days or less can be watered:
On properties LESS than 5 acres in size, between 2 a.m. to 8 a.m., Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Irrigation is NOT permitted on Fridays.
On properties of 5 acres or MORE in size, between 12:00 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Irrigation is NOT permitted on Fridays.
New plantings, sod or landscaping in place for 31 to 60 days can be watered:
On properties LESS than 5 acres in size, between 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
On properties of 5 acres or MORE in size, between 12:00 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Existing landscapes may not be irrigated during these times. Homeowners should keep documentation on any new landscaping, such as a dated receipt of purchase, in case they are required to provide proof of the installation date.
Q:
Can I hand-water my lawn?
A:
Yes. You can hand water stressed plants for 10 minutes per day using a single hose with an attached automatic shut off nozzle.
Q:
What other low-volume watering methods are allowed?
A:
Drip, bubble and micro-jet systems that apply water directly to root plant zones may be used any time. However, a voluntary reduction in use is encouraged, and any low-volume system should not produce water runoff. Watering cans are also low-volume and can be used anytime.
Q:
Can I water the lawn after applying fertilizer, herbicide, fungicide or pesticide?
A:
Watering-in after application of fertilizer, herbicide, fungicide or pesticide is allowed during your watering days and times -- unless a professional licensed applicator has posted a temporary sign containing the date of application and the date(s) of needed watering-in activity.
Private & Community Wells, Lakes & Ponds
Q:
I water my lawn from a well, canal, pond or surface lake. Do these restrictions apply to me?
A:
Yes. This is because surface and groundwater sources are connected. Water in lakes and canals helps to protect private and public wells from saltwater intrusion, and helps store rainfall to recharge wells and aquifers.
Washing Cars & Boats
Q:
When can I wash my car or boat?
A:
Anytime. All vehicle washing is not restricted.
When washing a car, park it over a non-paved or porous surface to limit water runoff, and always attach an automatic shut-off nozzle to your hose. Limit boat rinsing to 15 minutes after it has been in salt water.
Q:
My organization is scheduling a fund-raising car wash. Do we need to apply for a variance?
A:
No. There are no restrictions on vehicle washing. Always attach automatic shut-off nozzles to hoses and, if possible, channel runoff water to a grassy area or porous surface.
Pressure Washing
Q:
When can I use a pressure washer?
A:
Anytime. Pressure washing is not restricted. Use low-volume equipment that produces water pressure of 1,000 pounds per square inch to 4,000 pounds per square inch. Channel runoff water onto the grass or another non-paved surface.
Requesting a Change or Variance
Q:
Is there some way I can get permission to change my watering day or times?
A:
Yes. You may apply for a variance from water restrictions. The application form is online at: Variance Application, and the instructions are on-line at Variance Instructions. Your application will be reviewed by South Florida Water Management District staff, and approval or denial is based on the criteria listed in the Water Shortage Plan Rule.
For more information, visit www.sfwmd.gov or call (800) 432-2045.
Q:
What happens if I don't follow these restrictions?
A:
Residential and commercial water restrictions are mandatory and will be enforced by local government through law enforcement or zoning and code enforcement agencies. Residential fines vary by municipality, but typically range from $25 to $125 for a first offense.
Reporting Violations
Q:
How can I report violations of water restrictions?
A:
You may report violations to law enforcement or zoning and code enforcement agencies. Both have the authority to issue warnings and citations that can lead to fines. See the List of County and City Enforcement Contacts. If you choose to notify your local law enforcement agency, please call their non-emergency number.
FAQs - Water Shortage
LOSA Water Shortage Mgmt
Northern Everglades
