Watering restrictions
The St. Johns River Water Management District’s watering restrictions are designed to ensure the efficient use of water for landscape irrigation. The restrictions allow enough water to maintain healthy landscapes year-round. The mandatory restrictions specify the time when watering may occur, the amount of water that may be applied, and the days when watering may occur.
The St. Johns River Water Management District’s watering restrictions are designed to ensure the efficient use of water for landscape irrigation. The restrictions allow enough water to maintain healthy landscapes year-round. The mandatory restrictions specify the time when watering may occur, the amount of water that may be applied, and the days when watering may occur for residential and nonresidential locations. These days depend on whether the address ends in an odd or even number, and on the time of year.
District Water Use Advisory | Phase I Moderate Water Shortage
A Phase I Moderate Water Shortage has been declared due to ongoing dry conditions across portions of the District. Below-average rainfall, declining groundwater levels, and reduced river flows are contributing to water resource stress.
Link to water shortage plan rule
Water shortage declarations are temporary measures used to help protect water resources during extended dry periods. Conditions are monitored regularly, and additional restrictions may be implemented if conditions worsen.
What a Phase I Water Shortage Means
Under a Phase I water shortage:
- All water users, including domestic, utility, and commercial, are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water use.
- Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited.
- Residents, businesses, and property managers are encouraged to proactively plan for extended dry conditions and the potential for additional restrictions.
Landscape Irrigation
Landscape irrigation should be voluntarily reduced. Property owners and managers are encouraged to prepare for possible worsening conditions. Property owners should ensure that they are following the District rules for the day of the week irrigation is permitted.
Currently, the watering schedule for the entire District remains as follows:
| Homes with odd numbered or no addresses | Homes with even numbered addresses | Nonresidential properties | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Sunday | Tuesday | |
| |||
| Time of year | Homes with odd numbered or no addresses | Homes with even numbered addresses | Nonresidential properties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daylight saving time | Wednesday/Saturday | Thursday/Sunday | Tuesday/Friday |
| Eastern Standard Time | Saturday | Sunday | Tuesday |
|
|||
Preparing for Worsening Conditions
Dry conditions may persist, and residents and businesses are encouraged to plan ahead. Taking conservation steps now can help reduce the need for more restrictive measures later if the water shortage advances to a more severe phase.
Irrigation terms
“Landscape irrigation” means the outside watering of plants in a landscape such as shrubbery, trees, lawns, grass, ground covers, plants, vines, gardens and other such flora that are situated in such diverse locations as residential areas, public, commercial and industrial establishments, and public medians and rights-of way. “Landscape irrigation” does not include agricultural crops, nursery plants, cemeteries, golf course greens, tees, fairways, primary roughs, and vegetation associated with intensive recreational areas, such as playgrounds, football, baseball and soccer fields.
“Residential landscape irrigation” means the irrigation of landscape associated with any housing unit having sanitary and kitchen facilities designed to accommodate one or more residents, including multiple housing units and mobile homes.
“Microirrigation” means the application of small quantities of water directly on or below the soil surface or plant root zone, usually as discrete drops, tiny streams, or miniature sprays through emitters placed along the water delivery pipes (laterals). Microirrigation encompasses a number of methods or concepts, including drip, subsurface, microbubbler and micro-spray irrigation, previously known as trickle irrigation, low volume or, low-flow irrigation.
“Nonresidential landscape irrigation” means the irrigation of landscape not included with the definition of “residential landscape irrigation,” such as that associated with public, commercial and industrial property, including commercial or transient housing units, hotel and motel units, and public medians and rights-of-way.
Summary of restrictions
- Irrigation is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- During daylight saving time (second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November) irrigation is limited to no more than two days per week on scheduled days.
- Residential irrigation is allowed on Wednesday and Saturday at addresses that end in an odd number or have no address.
- Residential irrigation is allowed on Thursday and Sunday at addresses that end in an even number.
- Nonresidential irrigation is allowed on Tuesday and Friday.
- During Eastern Standard Time (first Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March) irrigation is limited to no more than one day per week on scheduled days.
- Residential irrigation is allowed on Saturday at addresses that end in an odd number or have no address.
- Residential irrigation is allowed on Sunday at addresses that end in an even number.
- Nonresidential irrigation is allowed on Tuesday.
- Irrigation is limited to no more than ¾ inch of water per zone per irrigation day.
- Irrigation is limited to no more than one hour per irrigation zone per irrigation day.
- Irrigation is limited to only that amount necessary to meet landscape needs.
- When reclaimed water is available for irrigation use, the use of private irrigation wells is not authorized.
- Irrigation limitations apply to water withdrawn from ground or surface water, from a private well or pump, or from a public or private utility.
- Irrigation limitations apply to all landscape irrigation not currently regulated by a consumptive use permit. Typically, this includes residential, commercial and industrial establishments.
- Persons irrigating with an automatic lawn irrigation system installed after May 1991 shall install, maintain and operate a rain sensor device or switch that overrides the system when adequate rainfall has occurred.
Exceptions to the restrictions
- Irrigation using a micro-spray, micro-jet, drip or bubbler irrigation system is allowed anytime.
- Irrigation of new landscape is allowed at any time of day on any day for the initial 30 days and every other day for the next 30 days for a total of one 60-day period, provided that the irrigation is limited to the minimum amount necessary for establishment.
- Watering in of chemicals, including insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides and herbicides when required by law, the manufacturer, or best management practices, is allowed anytime within 24 hours of application. Watering in of chemicals may not exceed ¼ inch of water per application except as otherwise required by law, the manufacturer, or best management practices.
- Irrigation systems may be operated anytime for maintenance and repair purposes, not to exceed 20 minutes per hour per zone.
- Irrigation using a hand-held hose equipped with a spray nozzle that can be adjusted so water flows only as needed is allowed anytime.
- Discharge of water from a water-to-air air-conditioning unit or other water-dependent cooling system is not limited.
- Additional Exceptions can be found in the District’s Consumptive Use Permitting Rules: CHAPTER 40C-2
Irrigation Hotline Number: 386-329-4545
Frequently asked questions
What is a Phase I Moderate Water Shortage?
Phase I Moderate Water Shortage is a temporary, precautionary declaration the District makes when dry conditions begin to strain water resources. It calls for voluntary water use reductions and prohibits wasteful, unnecessary uses to help protect groundwater, lakes, and rivers during extended dry periods.
Why was a Phase I Water Shortage declared?
Portions of the District received below-average rainfall compared to the historical annual average, resulting in declining water levels in aquifers, rivers, and lakes. Some areas are now experiencing severe to extreme drought, and water levels are expected to decline further as the dry season continues.
Based on these conditions, the Governing Board approved a Phase I Moderate Water Shortage to ease the strain on water resources now and prepare for the possibility of stricter measures if conditions worsen.
Where does the Phase I Water Shortage apply?
The declaration applies to Duval County and portions of Alachua, Baker, Bradford, and Marion counties within the District’s boundaries, with some areas still following the rules of neighboring water management districts.
When am I allowed to water my lawn?
Under the Phase I declaration, the year-round watering schedule remains in place.
- Irrigation is never allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Currently, irrigation is restricted to one day per week in accordance with the following schedule:
- Residential odd-numbered or no address: Saturday
- Residential even-numbered address: Sunday
- Nonresidential properties: Tuesday
Irrigation is limited to no more than three-quarters of an inch of water per zone and no more than one hour per zone on your scheduled day.
Why does the District restrict lawn watering versus other water uses?
Outdoor water use, mainly lawn and landscape irrigation, can account for more than half of a typical household’s water use. Reducing lawn watering, especially during dry periods, is one of the most effective ways to lower overall demand on public water supplies, helps ensure water is available for essential needs, and can significantly reduce strain on water systems.
You can also save water by ensuring your irrigation system is working properly: test and repair broken pipes and leaks, fix damaged or tilted sprinkler heads, and check your irrigation timer to ensure settings are correct. Make sure your rain sensor or soil moisture sensor is working so your system does not run when nature has already provided sufficient water.
How can I conserve water at home?
Outdoors
- Follow your local watering days and times and never water between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Inspect and repair leaks, broken pipes, and misaligned or clogged sprinkler heads in your irrigation system.
- Adjust your timer so your system runs only on your allowed day and for the minimum time needed.
- Make sure your rain or soil moisture sensor works.
- Use low-volume irrigation such as micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, or hand-watering for plants and shrubs instead of watering entire lawn areas.
- Delay installing new sod or other high-water use landscaping until conditions improve, if possible.
Indoors
- Fix leaking faucets, toilets, and showerheads.
- Install high-efficiency fixtures and appliances where possible.
- Run dishwashers and clothes washers with full loads only.
- Turn off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving.
What is the District doing to ensure that we have water for both now and in the future?
State law requires the District to develop a Regional Water Supply Plan every five years that looks 20 years ahead at how much water people and businesses will need and where that water will come from. The plan outlines projected population and water demands, identifies both traditional and alternative water sources, and considers funding needed to develop those supplies. It provides a roadmap for future water decisions and shows how needs can be met through a mix of alternative water sources, traditional groundwater, and water conservation measures.
To protect water resources long-term, the District also:
- Conducts detailed hydrologic monitoring and modeling to understand how much water is available without harming springs, rivers, wetlands, and lakes.
- Sets minimum flows and levels (MFLs) to prevent significant harm from over-withdrawal.
- Issues consumptive use permits that limit how much water utilities, industries, agriculture, and others can withdraw and require conservation.
- Supports and co-funds alternative water supply and conservation projects with utilities, local governments, and other partners.
- Promotes public education on water conservation and Florida-friendly landscaping.
Could stricter water restrictions be implemented?
Yes. The District’s water shortage plan allows for additional phases with mandatory restrictions if conditions continue to deteriorate. Staff continually monitor rainfall, groundwater levels, river flows, and water use to determine whether stricter measures are needed to protect water resources and public supplies.
Where can I get more information?
For more information on water conservation and current watering rules, visit sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions or call 386‑329‑4500 to speak with one of our water conservation coordinators.
County specific restrictions
Alachua County water restrictions
Gainesville, Hawthorne, and Micanopy, which should follow the restrictions of the SJRWMD, while the remainder of Alachua County will remain under the Suwannee River Water Management District.
Marion County watering restrictions
All of Marion County, including the city of Ocala, is to follow the St. Johns restrictions. The only exceptions are The Villages and the city of Dunnellon, which should follow restrictions of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Orange County watering restrictions
All of Orange County is to follow the St. Johns restrictions. The only exception is Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, which will follow the South Florida Water Management District’s restrictions.
St. Johns County Utilities Customers in SilverLeaf
St. Johns County Utility customers will follow a new Reclaimed Water Conservation Schedule. Customers are assigned specific watering days and times based on subdivision and address. Details can be found here: SilverLeaf Reclaimed Water Schedule – St. Johns County