Media Release

​ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department is informing residents that beginning on Sunday, November 6, 2016, landscape irrigation is limited to one day per week in Alachua County.

The restrictions apply to the use of private wells, city water, and surface water. The use of a hand-held hose with a spray nozzle, micro-irrigation, reclaimed water, and the irrigation of vegetable gardens and fruit trees are exempt from the schedule.

The County’s irrigation schedule is as follows:

• Saturday at addresses that end in an odd number or that have no house address 
• Sunday at addresses ending in an even number
• Tuesday for nonresidential landscape irrigation (including residential common areas)
• No irrigation is allowed between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (as this is when evaporation is the greatest)

Many landscapes survive in the winter with little to no irrigation. Turning off irrigation systems can save additional water and money.

“Landscape irrigation can account for over 50% of residential water use in Florida,” said Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Water Conservation Coordinator Stacie Greco. “Minimizing watering promotes healthier lawns and landscapes while conserving Florida's water resources. We depend on groundwater for our water supply, as do our springs, lakes, and rivers.”

County staff actively enforces irrigation restrictions and responds to citizen complaints or concerns regarding wasteful watering. To report wasteful watering, call 352-264-6800.

For more information, visit the Alachua County Water Resources website or contact Stacie Greco at 352-264-6829 or Sgreco@alachuacounty.us.