Turn back the clock, turn down the sprinklers

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~ Conserving water this winter helps protect Florida’s resources ~

Water less web banner for 2023PALATKA, Fla., Oct. 30, 2024 —As Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, Nov. 3, the St. Johns River Water Management District reminds residents to “fall back” their clocks and reset their irrigation systems to water no more than once a week.

“With outdoor irrigation accounting for half or more of most Floridians’ water use, now is a great time to dial back and help conserve water,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Water Conservation Coordinator Deirdre Irwin. “Lawns and plants need less water in cooler months, and watering less conserves our water resources while keeping landscapes healthy.”

Public water supply accounts for the largest water use in the District about 569.5 million gallons per day—enough to fill approximately 258,289 dump trucks—much of which is allocated to outdoor irrigation. Adjusting landscape watering not only saves water but also strengthens lawns and plants by reducing the risk of mold, fungus, weak roots, weeds and pests.

The District enforces watering restrictions during Eastern Standard Time (Nov. through mid-March) to manage water resources effectively. These restrictions limit irrigation to one day per week as follows:

  • Saturday for residential addresses ending in odd numbers or with no address
  • Sunday for residential addresses ending in even numbers
  • Tuesday for non-residential properties
  • No irrigation is allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Residents can conserve water by repairing broken or misaligned sprinkler heads to prevent watering sidewalks and other hard surfaces. Overwatering can lead to runoff that carries fertilizers and pollutants into nearby waterways, affecting water quality. Contact your utility provider to see if rebates are available for system upgrades.

Learn more water-saving tips at WaterLessFlorida.com. See how neighbors across the District are making a difference by visiting the Water Less Heroes series.

Join the conversation at #sjrwmd #waterconservation.