This rule takes a commonsense approach by working to instill a conservation ethic that will save Florida's water, save residents' money and encourage more efficient use of existing water supplies;
The Year-Round Landscape Irrigation Rule limits landscape watering to two days a week throughout the South Florida Water Management District, with a three-day-a-week provision for some counties. In all cases, reclaimed water used for irrigation is exempt.
The Year-Round Landscape Irrigation Rule is a component of the District's Comprehensive Water Conservation Program, approved by the Governing Board in September 2008 to encourage more responsible use of water resources throughout South Florida.
IMPORTANT: Local governments may adopt alternative landscape irrigation ordinances based on local water demands, system limitations or resource availability. Several counties and cities have exercised this option so residents should always check local ordinances for watering days and times.
Click on a county below for current landscape irrigation limits:
This rule takes a commonsense approach by working to instill a conservation ethic that will save Florida's water, save residents' money and encourage more efficient use of existing water supplies;
Use the Forms Listed Below to Request an ALTERNATIVE Irrigation Schedule
Guidance for Seeking an Alternative Irrigation Schedule from the South Florida Water Management District [PDF]
Guidance for Completing a Letter Modification Pursuant to Rules 40E-2.331(4)(a)(6) & 40E-20.331(3)(a)(6) [PDF]
The South Florida Water Management District is promoting water conservation for its many benefits in meeting the growing demands on South Florida's limited water supply. The District's Comprehensive Water Conservation Program, including a Year-Round Landscape Irrigation Conservation Measures rule, is designed to reduce water use while developing a lasting water conservation ethic throughout South Florida.
Consider that:
South Florida residents consume 179 gallons per person per day – the highest water usage in the state.
Outdoor irrigation accounts for up to 50 percent of water use in Florida, and up to 50 percent of the water applied to lawns is lost to evaporation or runoff.
During the wet season, from June through October, most lawns don't need to be watered at all. South Florida's typically abundant rainfall is often enough to meet the annual water needs of South Florida lawns and landscapes, such that our lawns may need supplemental irrigation only during the dry season from November through May.
Water conservation can cost as little as 6 cents to 72 cents per 1,000 gallons of water saved, while the cost of constructing alternative water supply facilities can exceed $7 per 1,000 gallons of water created.
Water conservation makes good environmental and financial sense. It protects our water supply and assures there will be water available for the environment and our communities in the future. Water conservation can also reduce household spending and cuts government expenses.
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