County: Once-a-week watering schedule to resume
Residents of unincorporated Lee County are reminded that beginning on Feb. 1, a one-day-a-week watering schedule will be in place through May to conserve water and protect the aquifer.
The county has had a water conservation ordinance for unincorporated communities since 2005. Last year, the Lee County Board of County Commissioners revised the ordinance to implement a one-day-a-week watering schedule from February through May. Typically, the aquifers peak toward the end of rainy season and show the most stress during the April through May timeframe.
Beginning in February, odd-numbered addresses may only water on Saturdays and even-numbered addresses and common areas may only water on Sundays. No watering can occur from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The county worked with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to raise awareness about declining water levels in aquifers accessed by residents.
Lee County continues to share information with the community, including messages featuring its newest superhero, Captain Conservation, educational videos, social media outreach and more.
Residents and commercial property owners are urged to abide by local ordinances that restrict lawn irrigation. Lawn irrigation can account for 50% of household use. While the county ordinance applies to those in unincorporated Lee, a comprehensive list of local rules can be found on the SFWMD’s website at www.sfwmd.gov/mywateringdays.
All local ordinances have provisions for enforcement of ordinance violations, which vary by community. People in unincorporated Lee who irrigate outside the permissible days and hours can receive a warning on a first offense and fines following a warning; however, the county’s main objective is education about the ordinance.
Neighborhood groups, Homeowners Associations and others are encouraged to share the SFWMD website at www.sfwmd.gov/mywateringdays.