Fall is here, but that doesn’t mean the end to water restrictions
Even though the calendar says we’ve made it through the rainy season here in Florida, the need to conserve water remains. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) recently extended its Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage restrictions through March 31, 2027, meaning residents in the affected areas will continue to follow one-day-per-week lawn and landscape watering restrictions.
But it’s been raining every day? Why do we still have water restrictions? The extension comes as the region continues to experience drought conditions. SWFWMD reports that the area had a 15.4-inch rainfall deficit over the last 12 months, and rivers, lakes and public water supplies remain below normal levels.
“Water conservation is not just something we need to think about during the hottest months of the year,” said Matthew Rihs, Community Services Manager for the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA). “With the current water shortage restrictions extended through the spring, everyone should take a fresh look at how they use water and identify those small, often overlooked ways water may be going to waste.”
Look for the water you don’t see
While following watering restrictions is one important way to conserve, homeowners can also save significant amounts of water by finding leaks and making small changes around the home.
FGUA encourages customers to:
• Check irrigation systems for leaks. Look for broken or misdirected sprinkler heads, pooling water or areas of unusually wet grass.
• Inspect outdoor faucets and hose connections. A dripping faucet or leaking connection can waste water over time.
• Adjust irrigation controllers. As temperatures cool and seasonal water needs change, landscapes may require less supplemental irrigation. Adjust irrigation run times based on seasonal conditions.
• Don’t water when rain has done the job. Check the weather before your irrigation system runs and skip watering when your landscape has received adequate rainfall.
• Look for signs of underground irrigation leaks. Unusually wet areas, water pooling in the yard or low water pressure can indicate a problem with underground pipes.
• Water plants efficiently. Consider hand watering or micro-irrigation for flower beds, shrubs and other plants instead of using traditional spray irrigation.
• Check indoors, too. Leaking toilets, faucets and plumbing fixtures can be silent water wasters.
Even a small outdoor leak can waste 300 or more gallons of water each month. Outdoor water use also accounts for more than half of the water consumed by households, making landscape irrigation an important place to look for opportunities to conserve.
“Conserving water doesn’t have to mean making major changes,” said Rihs. “Sometimes it starts with something as simple as fixing a dripping outdoor faucet, adjusting your irrigation timer or taking a few minutes to look for a leak. Those small actions can add up to a big difference in your water use, and your water bill.”
For more information about water conservation visit https://www.fgua.com/community/sustainability/.
The Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) serves 14 counties in Florida, including part of Captiva in unincorporated Lee County.
To reach FLORIDA GOVERNMENTAL UTILITY AUTHORITY, please email