Apr 10, 2008 11:01 pm US/Eastern
Water Managers Decide To Ease Restrictions
Odd Addresses: Wednesday and Saturday, Even Addresses: Thursday and Sunday
Between 12:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m. or between 4:00 p.m. & 11:59 p.m
WEST PALM BEACH (CBS4) ―
South Florida lawns may look a bit greener soon because water managers have voted to ease restrictions slightly and allow twice-a-week yard watering starting April 18.
Thursday's decision from the South Florida Water Management District government board doesn't come as much surprise because they've been talking about easing restrictions all week long, despite concern that Florida is still suffering from a severe regional water shortage.
The new water rules cover most of Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe Counties.
A wetter than expected dry season has pumped up the water level in Lake Okeechobee. "These recommendations are based solely on improved resource conditions," said SFWMD Executive Director Carol Ann Wehle. "Recent rainfall combined with our proactive water management decisions and widespread participation in conservation efforts have collectively brought us to this much anticipated point."
As of Thursday, Lake Okeechobee's water level was 10.53 feet above sea level which remains about four feet below the historical average for this time of year but still four feet higher than this time last year.
Not everyone, however, agrees with the decision to relax the strict water rules which have been in place since mid-January.
"I think it sends the wrong message, I think that it encourages people to over water," said Peggy Green, an ecologist with Broward Community College. "I think it's a big mistake."
Green thinks we have a "false sense of plenty" because of all the rainfall in the last few months. Her best advice is to keep automatic sprinkler systems turned off and water only when necessary.
"We're so into convenience that we've lost the ability to use our legs to walk out and our arms to turn a little knob, it's not really that hard to do," said Green.
The new water rules not only add a second day for lawn watering and irrigation, they also expand the amount of time that sprinklers can be used.
Here are the rules: - Odd addresses: Wednesday and Saturday
- Even addresses: Thursday and Sunday
- Watering will be allowed between 12:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. or between 4:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
A number of areas are remaining under the current restrictions,
including West Palm Beach, Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, Lantana,
Lehigh Acres, parts of unincorporated Lee County and some
communities around Lake Okeechobee.
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