April is Water Conservation Month/Beach will issue citations
To date, the current South Florida dry season is the third driest on record dating back to 1932. On the Lower West Coast, which includes Lee, Collier and Hendry counties, the rainfall deficit ranged from 6.93 to 7.60 inches as of March 12, with several months left before the wet season begins. These declining numbers underscore the need for continued conservation to stretch the water supply.
The South Florida Water Management District is urging residents to step up efforts to conserve water and establish a conservation ethic that will extend year-round. Water conservation is critical to stretching our limited supply and we ask that residents water their landscapes only when needed and comply with the two day a week restrictions.
Effective April 1, the Town of Fort Myers Beach will issue citations for violations of water restrictions. Keep in mind that irrigation is most efficient in the early morning hours when less evaporation occurs.
Landscape irrigation accounts for up to half of all household water consumption in Florida. It is critical for everyone’s health and safety that enough water be available for public use throughout the extended dry season. Restricting the days and times that water is used for irrigation will reduce the demand on one of our most precious natural resources.
Water-Use Restrictions
The District has established specific water-use restrictions: landscape irrigation and maintenance for homes; multi-use family units/multi-use complexes; and businesses.
n If your address ends in an EVEN number, has multiple street address or includes rights-of-way, water on THURSDAY AND/OR SUNDAY.
n If your address ends in an ODD number, water on WEDNESDAY AND/OR SATURDAY.
n Properties may be watered during on the designated day, either from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
n Hand watering with one hose and an automatic shut-off nozzle is also allowed on the same days.
Essential services such as public health and safety and fire fighting are not restricted. Water restrictions DO apply to water from public utilities, private wells, canals, lakes and ponds.
The restrictions on new plantings, sod or landscaping are as follows:
n Younger than 30 days Every Day Except FRIDAY from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
n From 31 to 60 days, Water MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, SATURDAY from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Tips for saving water at home and at work as well as information about the District’s water conservation plan are available on the District’s Web site: www.savewaterfl.com.