Starting Sunday, Nov. 1, homeowners and businesses across the 18 counties of the St. Johns River Water Management District should reset their automatic sprinkler systems to water no more than once a week. When “falling back” — turning your clocks back an hour — it’s also time to change your irrigation system timer to water your lawn only on your designated watering day.
“Research shows that, in Florida’s cooler months, grass and plants don’t need as much water to be healthy — you can save water and money and still have a beautiful lawn,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “When you turn back your clocks Saturday night, be sure to also reset your sprinkler timers to water only on the designated day for your address. Keep in mind that you may not need supplemental irrigation at all if it has rained.”
Public water supply is the largest category of water use in the District’s 18-county region — about 565.5 million gallons of water a day. Most of this water is for residential water use, and many people don’t realize that more than half of total residential water use is used outdoors if the home has an automatic irrigation system. Efficient irrigation systems that are scheduled correctly can save up to half of that outdoor water use.
Because lawns need significantly less water in Florida’s winter months, watering restrictions are in place to ensure that water used for irrigation is used efficiently. During Eastern Standard Time (early November through mid-March), landscape irrigation is limited to no more than one day a week on the following schedule:
- Saturday at addresses that end in an odd number or have no address
- Sunday at addresses that end in an even number
- Tuesday at non-residential addresses
- No irrigation is allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The District’s 2020-2021 Water Less campaign aims to raise awareness about water conservation and to communicate easy ways to integrate outdoor water conservation into Floridians’ daily lives. The year-round campaign features seasonal messages, starting with “Fall Back” in November to encourage no more than once-a-week watering as temperatures begin cooling.
More information and water-saving tips can be found at www.WaterLessFlorida.com. To learn how your neighbors across the District are saving water, visit our Water Less Heroes series here.
WILLIAM J NELSON says
I SURE HOPE THE CITY READS THIS. THEY FLAUNT THEIR WATERING “PRIVILAGES” IN THE FACE OF ALL.
Agkistrodon says
They’ll substantiate itby saying “the city uses reclaimed water.” They’ve never heard of the hydrologic cycle……….that’s a science word…..
Water guy says
If you are talking about belle Terre , that irrigation isn’t on reuse water . It is pulled out of the canals along the road there.
Dennis C Rathsam says
The best way to save water,save the trees,& save the green spaces thoughout our city…. Stop building homes everywhere! This water wont be here forever, whats the mayors plan then? Too many people, using to much water =less water. This building boom in Palm Coast, is now at dangerous level, look at the developement north of Matanzas PKW on US 1…. Cleared lots, as far as the eye can see. Folks your witnessing the KILLING OF PALM COAST!!!!!!!
Brian Bixler says
I do not irrigate my grass. I have some plants outside that do get watered. Is my yard perfect? Dear God no. But you will struggle to dig up the grass to plant anything, the roots are that deep.
R. S. says
Brian Bixler! Excellent point. I hope that more folks will follow your example.
Brian Bixler says
Thank you R.S. I do try.
Water guy says
Someone should have put in , that your automatic irrigation system needs to have a Working rain sensor on it to help save water too. That way if it rains the day before and your are set to run the next day your irrigation should not turn on. I for one never just let my irrigation run on automatic, you should only run it when your law needs it. It helps your grass drive it’s roots deep and that way you don’t need as much water .