We are now in the dry season here in Southwest Florida and Lee County and the South Florida Water Management District are encouraging residents to conserve water. Conserving water at home can help reduce the stress on aquifers and keep wells from running dry.
Lee County residents are urged to abide by local ordinances that restrict lawn irrigation. Lawn irrigation can account for 50% of household use.
Landscape irrigation is prohibited daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in unincorporated Lee County. Additionally:
· Addresses that end in an even number can irrigate landscaping only on Thursday and/or Sunday.
· Addresses that end in an odd number, and rights-of-way or other locations without an address can irrigate only on Wednesday and/or Saturday.
· This ordinance also applies to residents who use reclaimed water.
The rules below apply to Fort Myers Beach:
The South Florida Water Management District also recommends the following:
Inside:
· Fix leaks as soon as possible from toilets, faucets or irrigation systems. A single leaky faucet can waste 100 gallons of water in a day.
· Replace your showerhead with a low flow version using two gallons of water per minute or less. Older showerheads may use up to five gallons of water per minute.
· Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only for full loads.
· Turn off the faucet after wetting a toothbrush, razor or washcloth. Turn the faucet back on when you are ready to rinse
Outside:
· Irrigate no more than once a week in the winter or twice a week in the summer.
· Irrigate during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speeds are the lowest.
· Use reclaimed or reuse water where available for irrigation.
More tips for water conservation can be found on the South Florida Water Management District website. Click here for 50 Ways to be Water Smart.