APOPKA, Fla. – Watering restrictions will start March 9 for residents and businesses in multiple counties to conserve water and maintain lawn and plant health, according to officials.
With warmer weather approaching, the restrictions allow residents to water twice a week for Marion, Lake, Seminole, Orange, and Volusia counties across the Upper Ocklawaha River and Middle St. Johns River basins, the St. Johns River Water Management District said in a statement.
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However, officials said watering twice a week should only be done when necessary and will depend on the weather and signs of a stressed lawn. The watering restriction guidelines are listed below:
- Homes with odd-numbered or no addresses: Wednesday and Saturday.
- Homes with even-numbered addresses: Thursday and Sunday.
- Nonresidential properties: Tuesday and Friday.
- Watering hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is prohibited to reduce evaporation and enhance soil absorption.
- Watering time: Limited to one hour per zone.
- Coverage: These restrictions apply to all water sources, including private wells and pumps, ground or surface water, and water from public and private utilities. It does not apply to residents or businesses that use reclaimed water to irrigate.
These restrictions will remain in effect until Sunday, Nov. 2.
As temperatures rise and evaporation rates increase, watering is needed more, which is why twice-a-week watering helps balance the demand. Restrictions shift back to once a week for fall and winter due to cooler temperatures and frequent rainfall, according to the water management district.
Watering restrictions help preserve the region’s water supply, protect the ecosystem, and prevent overwatering, which can lead to runoff and wasted resources, the district said.
Adjusting irrigation schedules helps reduce unnecessary strain on local water reserves. The public water supply is the district’s largest water use, using about 626 million gallons per day, according to officials, with much of the water is allocated to outdoor irrigation.
For more information about the water management district, visit www.sjrwmd.com.