Water Restriction Quick Guide (Printable Guide)

20 Ways to Use Water Wisely (Printable Guide)

On Oct 29, 2009, the Southwest Florida Water Management District issued a Modified Phase ll  Water Shortage Declaration for Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and De Soto counties.

Current Water Restrictions for unincorporated Sarasota County as of Jan. 16, 2007
Sarasota County reminds all residents of unincorporated Sarasota County of the following landscape and irrigation water restrictions. These restrictions apply whether the source of water is a well, pond, or from a utility system.

Links are on the left for other cities' watering restrictions.

• Even addresses (house numbers ending with 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8) may water only on Tuesday.
• Odd addresses (house numbers ending with 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) may water only Thursday.
• Common areas with no address, such as median or roadside plantings, clubhouse or recreation areas may be irrigated only on Tuesday.
• The maximum amount of water applied is limited to three-quarters of an inch in each irrigation zone, once, on each allowable watering day.
• Irrigation is prohibited between 10:00a.m. and 4:00p.m. on any allowable day.

Exceptions to Water Restrictions (Changes as of Oct. 29, 2009)

• Fountains and waterfalls may only operate eight hours per day.
• No special watering allowances will be granted for veritcutting or over-seeding.
• New or replacement lawns may water for a total of 30 days, if needed. 
  • Watering may occur any day during the first 15 days but will be limited to every other day after the first 15 days. 
  • No watering can occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• For other new plant establishment, watering may occur for a total of 60 days, if needed.
  • Watering may occur any day during the first 30 days but will be limited to every other day after the first 30 days. 
  • No watering can occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Hand watering and micro-irrigation of plants (not lawns) may occur any day.
• Irrigation restrictions apply to all water sources including private wells, lakes, and canals. Reclaimed water may have different restrictions.
• Residents are encouraged to restrict the installation of new lawns and plantings during these restrictions.
• Car washing is limited to once per week; however, fundraiser events are still allowed.

Guidelines for Well Owners
As a result of below-average rainfall amounts, some area wells cannot draw water from current groundwater levels. Because significant rains that would raise the water table are not expected soon, Sarasota County has issued the following guidelines for residents about their well systems.

• For those who are losing water pressure from a well that cannot draw water, contact the Environmental Health Division of the Sarasota County Department of Health at 941-861-6133.
• The wells affected are those of older construction with surface pumps. No newer, larger diameter wells with submersible pumps have reported any problems.
• Some wells can be retrofitted with a submersible pump or can have the existing drop pipe lowered. Property owners will need to check with a licensed water well contractor or a pump company to see if this type of repair can be performed.  In some areas, residents may be able to connect to existing county water lines. Sarasota County Utilities Permitting can check on water availability and provide information on connection costs, fees and financing options.
• If county water lines are not currently accessible on a particular street, residents can contact Sarasota County Program Management to determine if an assessment can be established that would enable them to receive county water service.

Complaints About Watering Restrictions

To report a suspected violation call 941-861-6790, option #3 or 941-861-5000 or send a facsimile to 941-861-0603 or an e-mail message to: utilitybill@scgov.net

Report suspected violations of irrigation restrictions. Sarasota County Utilities sends educational letters to the property owner about the current restrictions. Information is entered for the property and tracked over time.

Typically, the property owner who violates the current restrictions for the first time does not know the rules. When informed, he/she quickly comes into compliance.

Occasionally, a lightning strike can trigger an automatic system to turn on and the owner is not aware. When notified, the property owner makes repairs to the system.

Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
The water efficiency ordinance focuses on irrigation system efficiency and limiting plants requiring the most supplemental irrigation. This applies to new construction and extensive remodeling. Grass and flowers are limited to 50 percent or less of the irrigated area. Separate irrigation zones are required for grass and tree/shrub/groundcover beds. Low volume micro-irrigation is required for plant beds. No plant root balls or spray irrigation is permitted under roof overhangs. No grass should be planted in strips narrower than four feet except next to contiguous properties.

Speakers Bureau
West central Florida is experiencing a drought. Over the last two years, our rainfall deficit is more than 20 inches. Unfortunately, forecasters predict a dry winter and spring, which means the situation will only worsen and possibly set new low level records. The situation is serious. 

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has speakers available to talk about the drought, what the district is doing to ensure water supply needs are being met, and what you can do to help.

If you would like to request a speaker for your homeowners association, church or civic organization, contact the district at 1-800-423-1476, extension 4757. For additional information on the drought, water restrictions or water conservation tips, visit the district's Web site at www.WaterMatters.org.

updated 07/27/10