Landscape, Irrigation, and Water Restrictions
Irrigation restrictions apply to all sources of water, whether pond, well, or public supply. The Sarasota County Commission unanimously voted to maintain the previously imposed once-a-week watering restrictions.
Historically, Sarasota County residents have a strong heritage of water conservation. Since 1992, the average water consumption by residents has dropped from 148 gallons per person a day to 88 gallons per day. This is the lowest water consumption per person a day in the region. Once-a-week watering restrictions will help maintain a low consumption rate while allowing time for the aquifer to recover after many months of drought.
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Current Watering Restrictions
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Even addresses (house numbers ending with 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8) may water only on Tuesday.
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Odd addresses (house numbers ending with 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9) may water only Thursday.
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Common areas with no address, such as median or roadside plantings, clubhouse or recreation areas may be irrigated only on Tuesday.
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Property under 2 acres can water before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m.
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Property over 2 acres can water before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
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The maximum amount of water applied is limited to three-quarters of an inch in each irrigation zone, once, on each allowable watering day.
Exceptions to water restrictions
Flower beds, vegetable gardens and other non-lawn areas may be irrigated as needed using a hand-watering device with a shut-off nozzle. These areas may also be watered using micro-irrigation and other forms of horticulture appropriate, low-volume irrigation, on any day of the week.
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Newly planted lawn and landscape areas may be watered any day of the week for a 60-day establishment period that begins the day that the plant material is installed. New plantings must be 50 percent of planted area. No irrigation is permitted between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Car washing is limited to once per week; however, fundraiser events are allowed.