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As the seasons change and temperatures drop, both residential and commercial properties will face new restrictions, limiting watering to just one day a week in accordance with daylight saving time schedules. It’s important to stay informed about these changes to avoid any issues.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — On November 2, the clocks will turn back, marking the end of daylight saving time. With this shift, new lawn watering rules will be implemented to promote water conservation.
Starting Sunday, the St. Johns River Water Management District will enforce a change in watering frequency, reducing it from twice a week to once weekly. This initiative aims to preserve water resources.
The district reports that across its 18-county jurisdiction, the public water supply constitutes the largest water usage, consuming approximately 626 million gallons daily. Landscape irrigation accounts for over half of this consumption.
As the days become shorter and the weather cooler, lawns and gardens need less water to remain healthy. Excessive watering not only wastes resources but can also result in mold and root rot, ultimately damaging your plants.
“Conserving water is one of the most direct ways we can protect our aquifers, springs and water supplies in North Florida,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Water Conservation Coordinator Kraig McLane. “By following seasonal watering restrictions, we help preserve these vital resources for both people and the environment.”
The days your can water will depend on your address and property time.
See the full schedule below:
- Homes with odd-numbered or no addresses: Saturday.
- Homes with even-numbered addresses: Sunday.
- Nonresidential properties: Tuesday.
- Watering hours: Prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reduce evaporation.
- Watering time: Limited to one hour per zone.
- Applies to: All water sources, including wells, surface water, and utilities.
Many local governments have ordinances to enforce the rules. St. Johns County Utility customers in Silverleaf and JEA customers in Nocatee may follow separate guidelines.
Some exemptions exist to the restrictions, like for those watering produce or using different water sources.
The schedule will shift again when daylight saving time returns on the second Sunday in March.
To save water, property owners are also advised to check the rain forecast before turning on their irrigation systems and make sure their sprinklers don’t have leaks or blockages.
