Watering restrictions take effect today | City of Sarasota

 

 

 

Watering restrictions take effect today | City of Sarasota

 

Sarasota, FL:  City residents will be under lawn watering restrictions beginning Tuesday after the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) issued a water shortage order in response to recent rainfall shortages.

 

The order is effective May 12 through July 1. For all water sources except for reclaimed water, the lawn watering restrictions are as follows:

• Even-numbered addresses may water Thursday and Sunday before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
• Odd-numbered addresses may water Wednesday and Saturday before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
• Common areas may be watered on Tuesday and Friday before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
• Hand watering and micro-irrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done anytime.

 

For new lawns and plants, watering can be performed as follows:

• On the day of installation, watering is permissible anytime that day.
• For the next 30 days, watering can be performed on any day before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
• For the next 30 days, watering can be performed as follows:
  • Even-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
  • Odd-numbered addresses on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
  • Common areas on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.

 

To help with the water shortage, residents are asked to check their irrigation systems for leaks and eliminate wasteful water use, such as hosing down driveways or other surfaces or allowing water to flow unattended.

 

There are no specific restrictions on fountains, car washing or pressure washing, but these should be done as efficiently as possible to prevent waste. There are no restrictions on the use of reclaimed water for watering outdoors.

 

Citizens who do not comply with the watering restrictions could be subject to enforcement, including civil penalties of up to $500 per violation under the City code.

 

For more information about the SWFWMD order, visit WaterMatters.org/Restrictions.

 

For more information about the City’s ordinance or questions about the restrictions, visit SarasotaFL.gov/government/utilities or call the Utilities Department at 941-263-6224.