Florida water management district expands watering options

The South Florida Water Management District is hoping city residents will abide by a three-day-a-week residential watering restriction as part of an effort to save South Florida's water resources.

 

Year-round landscape irrigation conservation measures give city businesses and residents the option of watering three days a week rather than a mandated two days per week during droughts. Although watering is now allowed three days, the SFWMD is emphasizing that two days a week of irrigation are sufficient for South Florida lawns and landscapes, as landscaping only requires only three-quarters of an inch of water per week.

 

"Over the past few years, we were under the two-day watering because of the drought," said Victor Majtenyi, deputy director of public utilities for the city. "This water measure is not because of the drought. It's a year-round water restriction extension, an increase from two days a week to three days a week."

 

According to the SFWMD, odd-numbered street addresses in the city will be able to water landscapes and lawns before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses can water before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Multifamily units and homeowners associations that have both odd- and even-numbered addresses within the same water zones should use the even-numbered watering measure before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. No one will be allowed to irrigate between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

 

Those caught violating the new water measure could face fines starting at $100. Code Enforcement officials will be monitoring all areas within city limits. Al Berg, assistant director of community improvement, will lead the compliance efforts.

 

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