Alachua County irrigation restrictions change on Sunday, November 7, 2021. The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department reminds County residents that when they set their clocks back, they also need to cut back on their watering.
“Landscape irrigation can account for almost 60% of residential water use,” said Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Water Resources Program Manager Stacie Greco. “Eliminating or reducing your irrigation helps to conserve the precious groundwater supply we depend upon that also provides water to our springs, lakes, and rivers.”
Watering is limited during these seasons because most plants go dormant in cooler weather and require little to no supplemental watering. Most yards can go all winter without irrigation, so turning off irrigation systems can save additional water and money.
Irrigation restrictions apply to the use of private wells, city water, and surface water. However, the use of a hand-held hose with a spray nozzle, micro-irrigation, and reclaimed water are exempt along with the watering of vegetable gardens and fruit trees.
County staff actively enforces irrigation restrictions and responds to citizen complaints or concerns regarding wasteful watering.