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MIAMI (CBS4) ―

South Florida Under Phase 2 Water Restrictions, What Does That Mean To Me?

Under Modified Phase II restrictions, which were put into place on July 11th, ONLY landscape irrigation is restricted to two days per week and four hours per day. Other outside uses (car/boat washing, pressure cleaning, building temperature, sports fields) are not restricted.

Here are those restrictions:

Homes, businesses and government facilities with addresses that end in an odd number may water Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Hand watering should take place between 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on the same days with a hose that has an automatic shut-off nozzle.

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

Hand watering should take place between 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on the same days with a hose that has an automatic shut-off nozzle.

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.

Additionally, 2006 was the sixth lowest for rainfall, only about 41 inches. That means that even if we have a wetter than usual dry season in 2007, it may not be enough to raise water levels above what the SFWMD considers sufficient to meet dry season demands.

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.

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 Herefor 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 our four (4) "Exchange Locations" with your actual showerhead and exchange it for a Low-Flow model absolutely FREE!

Please provide caller with the following: Location, Address and Hours of Operation. Inform caller that they ONLY need to bring their old showerhead to get a new showerhead.

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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