FAQs

FAQ’s about Lawn and Landscape Irrigation Rule

What is the purpose of the lawn and landscape irrigation rule?
Lawn and landscape irrigation can account for more than 50 percent of the city’s total potable water use at residential and commercial locations. The purpose of the rule is to ensure lawn and landscape irrigation efficiency to reduce overall water demand.

What is required by the lawn and landscape irrigation rule?
Lawn and landscape irrigation is allowed before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
If you have an even numbered address you may irrigate Thursday and Sunday.
If you have an odd numbered address you may irrigate Wednesday and Saturday.
Non-residential areas, such as subdivision entries, road medians and common areas, may irrigate on Monday and Friday.

To whom does the rule apply?
The rule is mandatory and applies to lawn and landscape irrigation within the City of Winter Garden, regardless of whether the water comes from private well, surface water or a water supply utility.

Does the rule apply to golf courses?
Most golf course water uses are regulated under a consumptive use permit issued by the district.  As such, golf courses must develop and implement strict water conservation plans, and monitor and measure their water use. Golf courses may only irrigate before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. unless alternate irrigation hours are established in the permit.

Does the rule apply to recreation areas such as soccer, baseball and football fields?
The rule limits irrigation of recreation areas to before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. The rule limiting lawn and landscape irrigation to no more than two days per week does not apply to areas of intense recreation such as football, baseball and soccer fields or playgrounds. Due to the intensity of use, recreation areas require more water and are typically regulated by a CUP.

How does the rule save water?
Lawns and landscapes generally require less water than is applied. Sixty-five percent of water sprinkled on lawns during the hottest part of the day is lost to evaporation. When you water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m., the water can seep into the ground, promoting healthy plants that establish deep root systems.
Irrigating on designated days should be adequate to maintain healthy lawns and landscapes. Reducing the frequency of irrigation will result in a water savings but the amount of water saved will vary from place to place.
The amount of water saved will be dependent upon prior irrigation frequency. In a central Florida region studied after lawn and landscape irrigation was limited to no more than two days a week, water savings ranged from 15 to 20 percent.

How is the rule enforced?
The primary emphasis is on education of the need to conserve water, and on lawn and landscape irrigation techniques that maintain healthy lawns. The City believes the conservation message is very compelling but enforcement is use regularly to insure compliance.

What are the monetary penalties for breaking the rule?
After receiving a warning, the monetary penalties are:
1st violation -- $60 penalty
2nd violation -- $110 penalty
3rd violation -- $210 penalty
Up to $500

What are the exceptions to the rule?
The exceptions are:
Irrigation using a micro-irrigation (drip) system is allowed anytime.
Irrigation of new landscape is allowed at any day for the initial 30 days, provided that the irrigation is limited to the minimum amount necessary for establishment.
Watering in of chemicals, including insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides and herbicides when required by law, the manufacturer, or best management practices, is allowed anytime within 24 hours of application.
Irrigation systems can be operated anytime for maintenance and repair purposes, not to exceed 10 minutes per hour per zone.
Irrigation using a hand-held hose equipped with a spray nozzle that can be adjusted so water flows only as needed is allowed anytime.
Discharge of water from a water-to-air air-conditioning unit or other water-dependent cooling system is not limited.
The use of recycled water from wet detention treatment ponds for irrigation is allowed anytime provided the ponds are not augmented from any ground or off-site surface water, or public supply sources.

Where does the water go?
More than 50% of the city’s potable water supply (that fresh drinking water) is use to water lawns.
Less than 1% of the water delivered to your house is consumed. The rest is used for bathing, toilet flushing, clothes washing and other uses.
On average most homes use 6 times the amount of water outside verse inside. Check your water bill!

FAQ’s About Water Pressure

What Is Water Flow or Volume? Water arrives at your home in a 3/4" or 1" service line which can provide a lot of volume and pressure. In many homes, internal piping is only 1/2" or less which can only deliver a certain amount of water per minute regardless of water pressure.

Common Causes of Low Pressure
Has any plumbing work been done lately? If so, check all your main and shut-off valves to be sure they are wide-open.
Is there a water softener in your home? It may be malfunctioning or starting to ‘bind-up.’ By-pass it to see if flow is restored.
Do you have a whole house water filter? If so, check and/ or replace the filter cartridge, if needed.

If you experience low pressure at one fixture:
Has the fixture been repaired or replaced? Most newer fixtures are designed to save water and may flow slower than older fixtures.
Check your faucet aerators for debris and clean if necessary.
If you have low pressure in your shower, the balancing or anti-scald valve may be malfunctioning and restricting flow. Also, some massage-type and hand-held shower heads may restrict and impede flow.

Should You Call Us If You Have Low Pressure?
Common causes of low pressure are discussed above. If you’ve investigated all these possible causes or you experience a period of prolonged low pressure, please call us at (407) 656-4100.