| Irrigation restrictions apply to all
sources of water, whether pond, well, or public supply. The
Sarasota County Commission unanimously voted to
maintain the previously imposed once-a-week watering
restrictions.
Historically, Sarasota County
residents have a strong heritage of water conservation. Since
1992, the average water consumption by residents has dropped
from 148 gallons per person a day to 88 gallons per day. This is
the lowest water consumption per person a day in the region.
Once-a-week watering restrictions will help maintain a low
consumption rate while allowing time for the aquifer to recover
after many months of drought.
Current
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.
- Property under 2 acres can water before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
- Property over 2 acres can water before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
- The maximum amount of water applied is limited to three-quarters
of an inch in each irrigation zone, once, on each allowable
watering day.
Exceptions to water restrictions
Flower beds, vegetable gardens and other non-lawn areas may be
irrigated as needed using a hand-watering device with a shut-off
nozzle. These areas may also be watered using micro-irrigation
and other forms of horticulture appropriate, low-volume
irrigation, on any day of the week.
Newly planted lawn and landscape areas may be watered any day of
the week for a 60-day establishment period that begins the day
that the plant material is installed. New plantings must be 50
percent of planted area. No irrigation is permitted
between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Car washing is limited to once per week; however, fundraiser
events are 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.
For more information contact the Sarasota County Call Center at
861-5000 to reach Utilities Permitting or Program Management.
|
Turf Watering Table