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MIAMI (CBS4) ― South Florida Under Phase 3 Water Restrictions, What Does That Mean To Me?

Phase III restrictions were put into place on January 15, 2008. Landscape irrigation is restricted to one day per week and four hours per day. Other outside uses, like car and boat washing and pressure cleaning are not restricted.

Here Are The Restrictions:

Homes, businesses and government facilities with addresses that end in an odd number may water ONLY on Mondays from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. OR 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Homes, businesses and government facilities with even-number addresses may water ONLY on Thursdays from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. OR 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Residents without a numbered street address should follow the Thursday schedule.

These restrictions DO apply even if you water your lawn from a well, canal, pond or surface lake.

Hand Watering:

Stressed plants can be hand watered for 10 minutes per day using a single hose with an attached automatic shut-off nozzle.

Sports Fields are now included in these restrictions:

To maintain safe playing field conditions, sports turf can be watered for 20 minutes anytime between 11:00 p.m. on the preceding day to 7:00 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. For example: watering can occur between 11:30 p.m. and 11:50 p.m. on Monday night, or 6:00 a.m. to 6:20 a.m. on Tuesdays.

Infields can be watered twice daily, once before 9:00 a.m. and once after 4:00 p.m. for up to 10 minutes.

Golf Courses must reduce their allocated water use by 45-percent, but are not restricted to watering at certain days or times.

The South Florida Water Management District continues to ask that residents take more aggressive action to conserve water by taking shorter showers, washing only full loads in dishwashers or clothes washers, and repairing any leaky fixtures.

Click Here to learn about more ways to conserve water.

In Addition To Watering Restrictions, What Else Should I Know?

Home owners with pools are allowed to fill them. Re-circulating fountains, or similar ornamental water features can be operated as long as the water doesn't leak or overflow.

Sidewalks, driveways and other paved surfaces can be washed with low-pressure cleaning equipment only.

Do I Still Need To Conserve If It Rains?

Yes, rainfall in South Florida is usually very localized, sometimes raining on one side of the street and not on the other, or in one area, but not across a region. All areas in South Florida depend on the same interconnected system of ground and surface water, with Lake Okeechobee serving as the back up water supply.

What is the easiest way to conserve the most water?
 
Simply turn off your sprinklers. Lawn irrigation counts for about 50 percent of drinking water used in South Florida. Water only when your lawn shows signs of wilt and only when it has not rained.

Most people in South Florida water their lawns more than needed. In fact, frequent watering is ineffective especially for lawns, because it causes grass to develop shallow roots and become vulnerable to disease, pests, and daily dryout. During the fall/winter season, November through March, your lawn will need from an inch to an inch and a half of water every 5 – 7 days.

How Will I Know If I'm Cutting Back Enough?

Residential users need only to ensure they are watering and/or washing their vehicles and boats within the specified times.

The SFWMD monitors water levels daily. From how much water they supply to various canals for consumptive use, to which agricultural and commercial ventures are drawing from which canals. The District uses this information to identify potential violators.

If I See Someone Not Complying With The Restrictions, Who Should I Call?

Residents are encouraged to report violators to the local code enforcement or law enforcement office. If you choose to notify your local law enforcement agency, please call their non-emergency number.

What Happens If I Don't Follow These Restrictions?

Residential fines vary by municipality but typically range from $25.00 to $125.00 for a first offense.

When will the SFWMD lift the restrictions?

It depends on rainfall, Lake Okeechobee water levels and other factors. The District monitors conditions on a daily basis, and when they improve, the Governing Board will make the decision to lift restrictions.

Are There Any Long Range Plans By The SFWMD To Address Our Water Our Water Supply Problems In The Future?

Yes. The SFWMD is working with local communities to develop and fund alternative water supply sources. There are more than 7 million residents in South Florida which puts a serious strain on the region's water sources. Despite excellent freshwater sources, South Florida's water supply is not unlimited. Alternative water supply projects such as reverse osmosis, aquifer storage and recovery, and reclaimed water use, help to create new sources to meet the areas long term future needs.

Water Conservation Hotline: (800) 662-8876

Click Here for more conservation tips from the South Florida Water Management District.

In an on-going effort to educate Miami-Dade County residents about the importance of water conservation, the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) will help residents save both water and money by exchanging their actual showerheads for more streamlined, cost-effective "Low-Flow" showerheads!

Simply come into any one of the "Exchange Locations" with your actual showerhead and exchange it for a Low-Flow model absolutely FREE!

Locations:

Caleb Center
5400 NW 22 Ave. 1st Floor
8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday

Douglas
3071 SW 38 Ave. 1st Floor
8 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday

South Dade Government Center
10710 SW 211 St. 1st Floor
8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday

LeJeune Office
3575 S. LeJeune Rd.
8 am to 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday

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