South Florida Water Use Rules Could Become Stricter

In a Phase II water restriction mode since April 2, 2001, South Florida has been limited to two days of irrigation watering per week between the hours of 4 and 8 a.m. and hand watering between 5 and 7 p.m. everyday except Friday. Currently, Phase I water restrictions allow for three days of watering, but if the water management district approves the proposed change, Phase I will be much closer to the current Phase II distinction. The Miami Herald also reported that the proposed change has the chance to become permanent, regardless of water use restrictions.

The district is aiming to limit the amount of water crisis management it has faced this year following an extended period of drought that almost forced the district to move to very strict Phase III water use restrictions. Phase III, which is currently under review, limits watering to one day a week between 4 and 7 a.m. and hand watering between 5 and 7 p.m. that same day.

South Florida received some relief from drought conditions over the weekend as Tropical Storm Gabrielle moved across the state, including about 11 inches of rain in Flagler County and more than 11 inches in Tampa. However, water managers told The Miami Herald that current water use restrictions would stay in place unless Lake Okechobee, a back-up reservoir for the East Coast and main supply of water for surrounding farms and towns, reaches 13 feet above sea level by Oct. 1.

Along with the possibility of permanent water use restrictions of two days a week, an overhaul of the district’s 20-year-old water restriction rules is on the table. The Miami Herald reported that the district board has worked with about 20 industries, including landscapers, nurseries and golf courses, on a plan that is easier to follow than daily restrictions.

The proposed plan addresses cutting water use as a percentage of maximum capacity and would include reductions of 15, 30, 45 and 60 percent for Phases I, II, III and IV, respectively. Water use restrictions as a percentage could be easier for irrigation professionals to adhere to because today’s irrigation equipment is easily adjusted for water volume.

Additionally, the proposed plan advocates twice weekly watering in all stages, reported The Miami Herald. Each stage would just have a different time restriction: eight hours daily in Phase I, four hours in Phase II, two hours in Phase III and one hour in Phase IV.

The Miami Herald also reported that the South Florida Water Management District’s executive director, Henry Dean, said he planned to partially lift some restrictions in communities that have adopted drought-resistant water supplies, such as salty underground water.