[biker1]

Dug this up from the district website. It may have already been posted. In case it hasn't ....

Home Irrigation:

North of CR 466, homes are irrigated with potable water.
South of CR 466, homes are irrigated with non-potable water which is comprised of storm water runoff that is collected in water retention areas and groundwater from the lower Floridan aquifer when storm water supplies are not available.


Golf Course Irrigation:

North of CR 466, golf courses are irrigated with a combination of reclaimed wastewater, storm water runoff that is collected in water retention areas, and groundwater (some upper Floridan and some Lower Floridan, depending on the specific course).
South of CR 466 all golf courses are irrigated with a combination of reclaimed wastewater and lower Floridan groundwater.

Please note that any reclaimed wastewater that is used for golf course irrigation is treated and meets the public access reuse standards established and required by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

Originally Posted by RIpswich

Perhaps the reason that we have not received a notice restricting our water usage is because our irrigation water is reclaimed from our septic treatment system !

The general notice states: "Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water remains subject to voluntary watering hours, unless blended with another water source or restricted by the local government or utility."

Since we irrigate with reclaimed water we don't fall under the once a week restriction and should continue under The Villages twice a week program.

[OhioBuckeye]

Another question. What about the people that are snow birds that leave their irrigation systems on the present settings, 3 days a week? My neighbor is one of them & he's got a broken sprinkler head & it shoots out in a BIG stream. Right now I'm out of town & I know I'll be gone past the June 5th start date.

[OhioBuckeye]

Originally Posted by villages07

That didn't sound right, as far as allowable times, so, I went to wattermatters.org and it said after 6pm and before 8am.

Year-round water conservation measures limit lawn watering to twice per week.

Modified Phase III Water Shortage Restrictions

Always refer to your city or county regulations first.

Effective Date and Areas
The District’s Modified Phase III water shortage restrictions are in effect June 5, 2017 through August 1, 2017, except where stricter measures have been imposed by local governments.
These measures currently apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties; the portions of Charlotte, Highlands, Lake, Levy, Marion, Polk, and Sumter, within the District’s jurisdiction; and Gasparilla Island (including the portion in Lee County) except as noted below.
Some local governments, such as St. Petersburg, have local ordinances with special watering times.
Some local governments, such as Sarasota County and Dunedin, have local ordinances with special one-day-per-week schedules.
Ocala and most of unincorporated Marion County follows the St. Johns River Water Management District’s water restrictions; however, the City of Dunnellon and The Villages remain under the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s water restrictions.
Unincorporated Levy County follows the Suwannee River Water Management District.
These restrictions apply to the use of wells and surface sources such as ponds, rivers and canals, in addition to utility-supplied water.
Lawn Watering Schedule and Times
Lawn watering is limited to a once-per-week schedule. Follow this schedule unless your city or county has a different once-per-week schedule or more stringent restrictions.

Addresses with “house numbers” …May only irrigate on …
Ending in 0 or 1 Monday
Ending in 2 or 3 Tuesday
Ending in 4 or 5 Wednesday
Ending in 6 or 7 Thursday
Ending in 8 or 9 Friday
No address (community common areas, etc.) Friday
Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, the allowable watering hours are before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m., regardless of property size.
Landscape Watering Schedule and Times
Handwatering and micro-irrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done on any day at any time, if needed.
New Lawns & Plants
New lawns and plants have a 60-day establishment period. On days 1-30, they may be watered any day of the week.
During days 31-60, they may be watered approximately every other day. Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Odd-numbered addresses may be watered on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. See also “Deed Restrictions” below.
Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water remains subject to voluntary watering hours, unless blended with another water source or restricted by the local government or utility.
Car Washing
Car washing is limited to once-per-week on the designated watering day for the location.
Commercial car washes, including mobile detailing businesses, may still operate on any day.
Emergency and other first responder vehicles may still be washed on any day as needed.
Fundraising events are prohibited unless they were scheduled prior to enactment of this order.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is allowed once a year and for necessary purposes, such as prior to painting or sealing, in order to maintain a paint or material warranty, to address a health or safety hazard and to comply with health laws. See also “Deed Restrictions” below.
Fountains
Fountains and other aesthetic water features may only operate eight hours per day. The regular hours of operation can be selected by the owner, but must be posted (see fact sheet for list of exemptions, such as water features that also provide aerification to koi ponds).
Other Water Uses
Sprinkler-like devices used on a lawn for recreational purposes shall be limited to the lawn and landscape restrictions.
The lawn and landscape of agricultural operations, commercial establishments, golf courses, athletic fields, and industrial facilities are subject to the lawn and landscape restrictions listed in the Water Shortage Order.
Additional restrictions apply to water uses specific to agricultural operations, commercial establishments, golf courses, athletic fields, and industrial facilities.
Deed Restrictions & Community Standards Enforcement
Homeowners associations and other entities must suspend any requirement to replace lawns, pressure wash, or engage in other activity which increases water use during this water shortage declaration.
Water Utilities and Other Essential Services
Water use necessary for fire suppression, maintaining safe drinking water quality, and other essential services is not restricted.
Water utilities, in conjunction with local government agencies, must enforce restrictions and provide a monthly enforcement report (see new fact sheet for details).
Water utilities must continue implementing customer messaging and other water conservation efforts (see new fact sheet for details).
Report Watering Violations

Use this service to report a water use violation, or you may call us at 1-800-848-0499 (FL only) and leave a detailed message.

Go to form
Contact Us

If you have additional water restriction questions, please contact us by sending an email to Water.Restrictions@WaterMatters.org (anytime) or by calling our water restrictions hotline at 1-800-848-0499 (FL only) or 1-800-836-0797 (FL only), ext. 2298 (during business hours).

Mailing Address

Demand Management Program
SWFWMD
7601 U.S. Hwy. 301 North
Tampa, FL 33637

A petition for variance pdf from year-round water conservation measures or water shortage restrictions is available for qualified circumstances. To confirm that a variance is needed or for assistance when filling out an application form, check with our staff during normal business hours at 1-800-848-0499 (FL only) or email Water.Variances@WaterMatters.org.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I don't know about the twice a week thing. When I bought my house 5 yrs. ago the service that put my sprinkler system in set mine to run Sun. night, Wed & Fri. Three times a week.

[Bogie Shooter]

Ever had a fungus problem?

[Bonsai Golfer]

The only thing clear from the above discussions is that this whole water restriction thing is a BIG mess. If you don't get definitive instructions from your water utility do what you think is best and don't agonize over. Just understand that, what ever you do, someone will tell you you are doing it wrong!

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Bonsai Golfer

The only thing clear from the above discussions is that this whole water restriction thing is a BIG mess. If you don't get definitive instructions from your water utility do what you think is best and don't agonize over. Just understand that, what ever you do, someone will tell you you are doing it wrong!

We are having a rain dance at my place in the morning. Bring your own outfit.

[biker1]

It seems pretty clear to me - you can run your irrigation system and wash your car 1 day a week for the next 2 months. There are also provisions if you have a new lawn and landscaping as well as some language regarding hand watering. The communication of the message could probably be better but the message itself is pretty clear.

Originally Posted by Bonsai Golfer

The only thing clear from the above discussions is that this whole water restriction thing is a BIG mess. If you don't get definitive instructions from your water utility do what you think is best and don't agonize over. Just understand that, what ever you do, someone will tell you you are doing it wrong!

[jchase]

☔️

[autumnspring]

Originally Posted by villages07

That didn't sound right, as far as allowable times, so, I went to wattermatters.org and it said after 6pm and before 8am.

Year-round water conservation measures limit lawn watering to twice per week.

Modified Phase III Water Shortage Restrictions

Always refer to your city or county regulations first.

Effective Date and Areas
The District’s Modified Phase III water shortage restrictions are in effect June 5, 2017 through August 1, 2017, except where stricter measures have been imposed by local governments.
These measures currently apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties; the portions of Charlotte, Highlands, Lake, Levy, Marion, Polk, and Sumter, within the District’s jurisdiction; and Gasparilla Island (including the portion in Lee County) except as noted below.
Some local governments, such as St. Petersburg, have local ordinances with special watering times.
Some local governments, such as Sarasota County and Dunedin, have local ordinances with special one-day-per-week schedules.
Ocala and most of unincorporated Marion County follows the St. Johns River Water Management District’s water restrictions; however, the City of Dunnellon and The Villages remain under the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s water restrictions.
Unincorporated Levy County follows the Suwannee River Water Management District.
These restrictions apply to the use of wells and surface sources such as ponds, rivers and canals, in addition to utility-supplied water.
Lawn Watering Schedule and Times
Lawn watering is limited to a once-per-week schedule. Follow this schedule unless your city or county has a different once-per-week schedule or more stringent restrictions.

Addresses with “house numbers” …May only irrigate on …
Ending in 0 or 1 Monday
Ending in 2 or 3 Tuesday
Ending in 4 or 5 Wednesday
Ending in 6 or 7 Thursday
Ending in 8 or 9 Friday
No address (community common areas, etc.) Friday
Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, the allowable watering hours are before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m., regardless of property size.
Landscape Watering Schedule and Times
Handwatering and micro-irrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done on any day at any time, if needed.
New Lawns & Plants
New lawns and plants have a 60-day establishment period. On days 1-30, they may be watered any day of the week.
During days 31-60, they may be watered approximately every other day. Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Odd-numbered addresses may be watered on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. See also “Deed Restrictions” below.
Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water remains subject to voluntary watering hours, unless blended with another water source or restricted by the local government or utility.
Car Washing
Car washing is limited to once-per-week on the designated watering day for the location.
Commercial car washes, including mobile detailing businesses, may still operate on any day.
Emergency and other first responder vehicles may still be washed on any day as needed.
Fundraising events are prohibited unless they were scheduled prior to enactment of this order.
Pressure Washing
Pressure washing is allowed once a year and for necessary purposes, such as prior to painting or sealing, in order to maintain a paint or material warranty, to address a health or safety hazard and to comply with health laws. See also “Deed Restrictions” below.
Fountains
Fountains and other aesthetic water features may only operate eight hours per day. The regular hours of operation can be selected by the owner, but must be posted (see fact sheet for list of exemptions, such as water features that also provide aerification to koi ponds).
Other Water Uses
Sprinkler-like devices used on a lawn for recreational purposes shall be limited to the lawn and landscape restrictions.
The lawn and landscape of agricultural operations, commercial establishments, golf courses, athletic fields, and industrial facilities are subject to the lawn and landscape restrictions listed in the Water Shortage Order.
Additional restrictions apply to water uses specific to agricultural operations, commercial establishments, golf courses, athletic fields, and industrial facilities.
Deed Restrictions & Community Standards Enforcement
Homeowners associations and other entities must suspend any requirement to replace lawns, pressure wash, or engage in other activity which increases water use during this water shortage declaration.
Water Utilities and Other Essential Services
Water use necessary for fire suppression, maintaining safe drinking water quality, and other essential services is not restricted.
Water utilities, in conjunction with local government agencies, must enforce restrictions and provide a monthly enforcement report (see new fact sheet for details).
Water utilities must continue implementing customer messaging and other water conservation efforts (see new fact sheet for details).
Report Watering Violations

Use this service to report a water use violation, or you may call us at 1-800-848-0499 (FL only) and leave a detailed message.

Go to form
Contact Us

If you have additional water restriction questions, please contact us by sending an email to Water.Restrictions@WaterMatters.org (anytime) or by calling our water restrictions hotline at 1-800-848-0499 (FL only) or 1-800-836-0797 (FL only), ext. 2298 (during business hours).

Mailing Address

Demand Management Program
SWFWMD
7601 U.S. Hwy. 301 North
Tampa, FL 33637

A petition for variance pdf from year-round water conservation measures or water shortage restrictions is available for qualified circumstances. To confirm that a variance is needed or for assistance when filling out an application form, check with our staff during normal business hours at 1-800-848-0499 (FL only) or email Water.Variances@WaterMatters.org.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

We live on the south side of the villages and our water used for irrigation is reclaimed water then our address ends in 4 so it would be weds. Yet, our normal water days are tues and thursday.

Obviously, we are in a drought. For your lawn you want to cut back on the fertilizer. If, you force it to grow it will need more water. You want to use an organic fertilizer as it just sits there unless there is water so the microbes can break it down.

You want to fix any leaks. If, you have a kohler toilet with the pink color gaskets in it, if will probably be leaking-you will hear water being allowed into the tank for no apparent reason. It is easy to change. No tools needed and you will find several utube videos showing how to do it.

When, we had a water shortage in NY and had feisty mayor kotch he suggested if it's yellow let it mellow-your toilet uses about 3 gallons per flush. Then, there was shower with a buddy,

Rain Barrel? Anyone have advice? Seems it would be a duel between saving water and mosquitoes.

[JBarracks]

Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water remains subject to voluntary watering hours, unless blended with another water source or restricted by the local government or utility.

Isn't irrigation water reclaimed water? If so, no restriction?

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by JBarracks

Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water remains subject to voluntary watering hours, unless blended with another water source or restricted by the local government or utility.

Isn't irrigation water reclaimed water? If so, no restriction?

South of 466 the irrigation is primarily reclaimed water, held in retention ponds, so

"These restrictions apply to the use of wells and surface sources such as ponds, rivers and canals, in addition to utility-supplied water."

That being said, the rules are not clearly written. It also makes little sense that you are permitted to stand outside and water your plants for 12 hours, but cannot turn on that sprinkler zone for 2 minutes.

[biker1]

See post #91.

Originally Posted by JBarracks

Reclaimed Water
Reclaimed water remains subject to voluntary watering hours, unless blended with another water source or restricted by the local government or utility.

Isn't irrigation water reclaimed water? If so, no restriction?

[biker1]

Irrigation systems put out a lot of water with no effort by the homeowner - just push a button. Most people are not going to stand outside and water for extended periods of time so the amount of water consumed will not be very high, in general. You go after the big fish when you are trying to reduce consumption.

I am not certain but I believe the term "reclaimed water" (in the context of the SWFWMD) refers to treated water from the sewage treatment facilities as opposed to rain water collected in the retention ponds. If that definition is in fact correct, then reclaimed water is not used for residential irrigation in The Villages.

Reclaimed water - Wikipedia
Reclaimed or recycled water (also called wastewater reuse or water reclamation) is the process of converting wastewater into water that can be reused for other purposes. Reuse may include irrigation of gardens and agricultural fields or replenishing surface water and groundwater (i.e., groundwater recharge).

Originally Posted by golfing eagles

South of 466 the irrigation is primarily reclaimed water, held in retention ponds, so

"These restrictions apply to the use of wells and surface sources such as ponds, rivers and canals, in addition to utility-supplied water."

That being said, the rules are not clearly written. It also makes little sense that you are permitted to stand outside and water your plants for 12 hours, but cannot turn on that sprinkler zone for 2 minutes.

[autumnspring]

Originally Posted by tuccillo

With 57,000 homes, enforcement will be challenging. I think it is safe to say that compliance will be less than 100% ;-)

It is not at all difficult. Your water use is metered.
If, you are not aware, as you use more water your price per??? gallon actually it is more likely per cubic foot, goes up dramatically.

FAIR? We can and we will argue. You must deal with what is not what you think it should be.

You can use less water by using LESS fertilizer so your lawn will grow slower and need less water. You can also raise the cutting height. You can also switch to organic fertilizer.

Your grass-grass has the ability do go dormant when water is lacking. It will/IT SHOULD, recover. You other plants and trees can be damaged and may die long after the drought has ended.

[dewilson58]

Needless to say................very confusing.

Surprised at the lack of direct communication to the owners......relying on the press is not logical these days.

Still thinking about the snowbird situation.