Conservation Tips

Why should you conserve water you may ask?  So that our future generations may have the opportunity to experience all of Florida's beauty in the same way that generations before have been privileged to do.  More than 3.5 billion gallons of water are used every day in central and southern Florida by 9 million residents and visitors – for drinking and bathing, watering our lawns, growing our crops and servicing our industries. Future water needs are projected to increase to approximately 4.1 billion gallons per day by 2040.  Even though we may appear to be surrounded by an endless water supply, the total amount of freshwater available for our use on Earth is less than 1%.  Our part of that 1% comes from the groundwater in the Floridan Aquifer. Water from the aquifer is being withdrawn faster than it can be replaced which not only has an effect on our water supply, but also the environment and ecosystems that depend on it everyday.  While science makes advancements in alternative resources, these alternatives come with a big price tag.  Water conservation is going to be the most effective way to address this global challenge. 

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Helpful Links: 

Water Use Calculator - See how much water your home is using.

FAWN - Florida Automated Weather Network (ufl.edu) - Click here to see what your irrigation controller settings should be set to.

Water Conservation | WaterMatters.org (state.fl.us)

• Water Reclamation

  What is reclaimed water?

  Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater that can be used for irrigation and other uses to extend our limited water supplies. Reuse facilities are constantly monitored to ensure that only high-quality reclaimed water is distributed. This water is clear and essentially pathogen-free.  

  Benefits of using reclaimed water:

  • reducing potable water use
  • decreasing fertilizer application
  • reducing discharge into rivers and bays from wastewater plants
  • ensures a sustainable and cost-effective water supply

   

• Water Conservation

  Why should I be worried about water supply?

  There is currently only 1% of available freshwater we can use here on Earth.  That 1% is supplying the ever-growing population.  Check out the following links for ways to save!

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  Indoor Conservation

  • Southwest Florida Water Management District - Indoor
  • EPA - Water Sense
  • American Water Works Association

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  Outdoor Conservation

  • Southwest Florida Water Management District- Irrigation information for Home Owners.
  • Florida Irrigation Society - Locate a Certified Contractor, Training Opportunities
  • The Irrigation Association - Irrigation Research, Training Opportunities, Locate a Certified Contractor
  • University of Florida/IFAS - Irrigation Research

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  Schools

  • The Center for Green Schools
  • Southwest Florida Water Management District - Splash Grant (Funding for water related projects)

Irrigation Days For Private Residences & Commercial Landscapes:

Lawn (Turf, Sod or Grass) & Landscape (Garden Plants) Watering

• Addresses ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 may only water on Thursday and/or Sunday
• Addresses Ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 may only water on Wednesday and/or Saturday
• Properties with no discernible address such as entry ways and common areas may only water on Tuesday and/or Friday 

Rules to Follow

• The two day a week schedule above must be followed.
• Watering is allowed before 10 am or after 4 pm (but not both).
• All automatic irrigation systems are required to have a working rain shut off device.
• Variances are available, through the Southwest Florida Water Management District, if a property proposes an alternate irrigation plan (such as splitting a large property into two pieces and assigning a different day to each piece). Download An Application
• Hand watering (with automatic shut-off device) or micro-irrigation of non-lawn landscaping is not currently restricted by day or times.
• These restrictions apply to private residences and to commercial landscapes.
• These rules apply to New Plantings:
  • New plant material may be watered out of cycle for up to 60 days for establishment (Keep a receipt for proof of new material, before and after pictures are also helpful). Here are the guidelines:
    • Days 1 through 30: May water on any day before 10 am or after 4 pm (but not both)  
    • Days 31 through 60: May water on the following days before 10 am or after 4 pm (but not both) :
      • Addresses Ending in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8 may water Tuesday, Thursday and/or Sunday
      • Addresses Ending in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9 may water Monday, Wednesday and/or Saturday
      • All locations without a discernible address (such as common areas and subdivision entry ways) may water on Tuesday, Friday and/or Sunday
  • A minimum of 50% the area being watered must contain new plants or sod.
  • New plant material may be watered at any time on the day of planting only.
  • Water before 10 am or after 4 pm (but not both).

All Water Uses

On August 1, 2017 the Modified Phase III Water Shortage per Rule 40D-21 declared by the Governing Board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District expired.  On August 2, 2017 City of Lakeland Customers returned to the permanent Year Round Conservation measures listed above. 

These restrictions apply to the use of water from public and private water utilities as well as the use of all wells and surface water sources (ponds, rivers, etc.).

This is only a summary. All water users should review Water Shortage Rules outlined in Rule 40D-22 of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

For Additional Information

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has a toll-free line (800.848.0499) to provide answers to questions about water restrictions.

Information on water conservation is also available on the Southwest Florida Water Management District Website.

Click on the guide below for everything you need to know about planting Florida-Friendly! (aka- Saving Money, Water, and Time!)