District scales back drought restrictions in North Florida, reminds residents of once-a-week irrigation schedule
The St. Johns River Water Management District is reminding residents that landscape irrigation is now limited to once per week during Eastern Standard Time and announcing a modification to water shortage restrictions in portions of its service area following improved drought conditions.
Effective immediately, the District is transitioning to a Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage Order in Alachua, Baker and Bradford counties. Recent rainfall and improving hydrologic conditions have allowed the District to lift water shortage restrictions in all other counties previously covered by the order. While conditions have improved, drought impacts and groundwater conditions in Alachua, Baker and Bradford counties continue to warrant additional conservation measures.
“Recent rainfall has helped improve drought conditions across portions of the District, allowing us to reduce some drought-related restrictions,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Water Conservation Coordinator Deirdre Irwin. “Even with these improvements, water conservation remains important, particularly in areas still experiencing drought impacts. As temperatures cool and landscapes require less water, now is the ideal time to adjust irrigation schedules and use water efficiently.”
The District’s seasonal irrigation schedule remains in effect during Eastern Standard Time, which runs from November through mid-March. During this period, landscape irrigation is limited to one day per week:
- Saturday for residential addresses ending in odd numbers or with no address
- Sunday for residential addresses ending in even numbers
- Tuesday for nonresidential properties
- Water only on your designated watering day and during the allowed hours: before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
In addition to following the once-weekly irrigation schedule, residents in Alachua, Baker and Bradford counties should be aware that the Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage restrictions remain in effect.
Under a Modified Phase II Severe Water Shortage, all water users are encouraged to voluntarily reduce water use and conserve water to the maximum extent possible. Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited. The order encourages voluntary reductions across all water use sectors, including public supply, commercial, industrial, institutional, agricultural, landscape, recreation and aesthetic uses.
Reducing irrigation during cooler months not only conserves water but can also improve landscape health by encouraging stronger root growth and reducing the risk of disease, weeds and pests. Residents are encouraged to inspect irrigation systems regularly and repair broken or misaligned sprinkler heads to prevent water waste.
Residents may also want to contact their utility provider to learn about rebates for irrigation upgrades and water-saving technologies.
Learn more water-saving tips at WaterLessFlorida.com. See how neighbors across the District are making a difference by visiting the H2O Heroes series.
Join the conversation using #SJRWMD and #WaterConservation.
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