Media Release

​ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - With the heavy rains the County has recently received, the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department is requesting residents to watch for running automatic sprinkler systems.

“If you see sprinklers still turning on with all of this rain, it is likely that the system’s rainfall shut-off device is broken,” said Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Water Conservation Coordinator Stacie Greco. She continued, “These devices are required by law on all automatic irrigation systems.”

Rain sensors (rain shut-off devices) are designed to bypass automatic irrigation when the area receives enough rainfall. They are small devices connected to the irrigation system controller and are mounted in an open area where they are exposed to rainfall. A rain sensor should be tested annually and needs to be replaced, on average, every three years. Soil moisture sensors and evapotranspiration (ET) controllers are more advanced types of rain sensors that can lead to further water savings.

To maximize savings and reduce water use, turn irrigation systems off and run them manually on the assigned day(s) when plants show signs of stress.

To anonymously report irrigation during or following a significant rain event, call the Environmental Protection Department at 352-264-6800. Please report the address and time of day of the irrigation, so staff can reach out to the property owner and let them know that their system is malfunctioning.

For more information on local irrigation restrictions and water conservation tips, visit the Alachua County Water Resources website or contact Stacie Greco at 352-264-6829 or Sgreco@alachuacounty.us.