Water Conservation

Florida's water is a precious resource that should be saved whenever possible...

It is the City’s objective to conserve potable water supplies. The high quality water that we need and expect in our homes is not an infinite resource. Less than 1% of the world’s water supply is suitable for use. Saving water can save the environment by helping ease the burden on water storage, purification, distribution and treatment facilities.

Watering Restrictions

On April 26, 2010 the Sanford City Commission adopted the St. Johns River Water Management District Landscape Irrigation Rules. Under these rules, irrigation is allowed on one day a week during the winter months, and two days a week during the summer months.

The landscape irrigation ordinance applies to landscape irrigation regardless of whether the water comes from ground or surface water, from a private well or pump. This does not apply to reclaimed water (see “Reclaimed Water” below for details). The mandatory landscape irrigation schedule for water is below.

Time of year	Homes with odd numbered or no addresses	Homes with even numbered addresses	Nonresidential properties
Daylight saving time	Wednesday/Saturday	Thursday/Sunday	Tuesday/Friday
Eastern Standard Time	Saturday	Sunday	Tuesday
Daylight saving time: Second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November Eastern Standard Time: First Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March An odd numbered address is one that ends in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9. An even numbered address is one that ends in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8. Water only when needed and not between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Water for no more than one hour per zone. Restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water and water from public and private utilities. Some exceptions apply.

Homes with odd numbered or no addresses

During Daylight Saving Time: Wednesday/Saturday
During Standard Time: Saturday

Homes with even numbered addresses

During Daylight Saving Time: Thursday/Sunday
During Standard Time: Sunday

NONRESIDENTIAL
PROPERTIES

During Daylight Saving Time: Tuesday/Friday
During Standard Time: Tuesday

PLEASE NOTE:

Daylight saving time: Second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November
Eastern Standard Time: First Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March
An odd numbered address is one that ends in 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9.
An even numbered address is one that ends in 0, 2, 4, 6 or 8.
Water only when needed and not between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Water for no more than one hour per zone.
Restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water and water from public and private utilities.
Some exceptions apply.

Lawn Watering Tips

WATER ONLY WHEN NEEDED

To develop deep, healthy root systems, plants should be watered only when the first signs of wilt occur. As the soil begins to dry out, the lawn will show a lack of moisture by lengthwise folding or rolling of blades. When the lawn shows signs of wilt, it is time to irrigate.

WET ONLY THE ROOT ZONE

Approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of water will wet about one foot of Florida sand, which will reach most grass, shrub, and tree roots. By wetting only the root zone of plants, there is a dramatic saving in water, weeds are not encouraged to grow and plant growth is increased. Watering too deep, past the feeder roots will waste water. If not enough water is applied, shallow root systems will develop and the plant will be unhealthy.

WATER BEFORE 8 A.M.

When careful observation indicates the lawn needs to be watered, irrigate early the next morning before 8 a.m., while it is still cool and not very windy.

USE SEPARATE SYSTEMS

Shrubs and other plants require less water than turf. If possible, (especially if installing a new system) consider putting in one system for the lawn and a separate one for the shrubs and other plants. Rain sensors are required on all new irrigation systems.

CALIBRATE YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM

Use five or six cans or other all the same size all the same size.

- For an in-ground sprinkler system, place containers randomly throughout one sprinkler zone. Repeat for each zone.
- For a hose-end sprinkler, place containers evenly in a straight line from the sprinkler to the edge of the watering pattern.
- Turn the water on and let it fill the cans for 15 minutes.
- Pour all the water into one can, measure to the nearest 1/18th of an inch and divide by the number of cans
- This shows how much is being applied in 15 minutes.

- To determine the irrigation rate in inches per hour, multiply the average depth of water times four.

SAVE WITH THE CITY OF SANFORD'S RECLAIMED WATER SERVICE

The City of Sanford’s reclaimed water service will help you save in three ways.

First – Reclaimed water will help save fresh water.
Second – Reclaimed water helps you save money. The consumption charge per 1,000 gallons is less than that of potable water.
Third – Reclaimed water’s nutrients help you save the environment