It seems like there are rules for everything these days.
Don’t exceed the speed limit. (Too late.)
Don’t eat the last donut in the box. (That one’s negotiable.)
Don’t waste water with careless lawn watering. (That one makes sense.)
More and more cities and counties are limiting the amount of water you can use for your lawn and landscaping, setting aside certain days and times that it’s allowed.
Orange County, FL watering restrictions are pretty simple: You just need to know if your house address is an even or odd number, and what month of the year it is.
Here’s a closer look at the watering regulations in Orlando:
If You're Watering, Here Are the Rules
Outdoor irrigation is limited to one day a week during Eastern Standard Time (from the first Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March) and two days a week during Daylight Saving Time (from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November).
Mark your calendars.
Water only if necessary and not between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This timing actually works out great. Even without Orlando water restrictions, the best time to water is between midnight and 4 a.m. for established landscapes and lawns. That’s when your lawn and landscaping can best absorb the water, and it will saturate well.
If you wait until the sun is shining, much of that precious water will evaporate, and be wasted.
Orange County FL watering restrictions also state you can’t water for longer than one hour per irrigation zone.
Yikes, What About Your Thirsty New Sod?
Happily, Orange County understands your new carpet of beautiful sod needs extra water to get established. Same for newly planted landscaping like that precious Roebelenii date palm or your pretty hedge of podocarpus.
Orlando water restrictions allow you to water new sod or landscaping on any day at any time for the initial 30 days after installation, and then every other day for the next 30 days.
But don’t get greedy. They add this note: “Watering is limited to the amount necessary for the sod or landscape to become established.”
What happens if you violate these Orlando watering regulations?
First-time violators will receive a warning through a door hanger notice and by letter. Repeat violators will be fined $25 per violation.
Watering Regulations in Orlando: Be Smart About Irrigation
Water is precious. You get to water only one day a week for parts of the year.
That means every drop counts. Time to make sure your irrigation system is working in top condition.
Check out these tips:
Keep That Irrigation Running Smoothly
Maybe it’s been a while since your last irrigation inspection. Life gets busy.
When your system turns on for your one precious watering day a week, you want it to work properly, right?
When irrigation technicians stop over for an irrigation inspection they’ll spot the little issues that can lead to bigger problems later, from cracked lines and leaky valves to clogged nozzles or broken spray heads.
Make sure the one hour per zone that Orlando watering restrictions allow really counts.
Checked Your Irrigation Controller Lately?
Your irrigation system controller is pretty smart. Smart enough to get you in trouble with Orange county FL watering restrictions without you even knowing it.
Double check all your run times to make sure your system isn’t watering your landscaping too much — or, for that matter, too little.
Make sure your controller is set for the days and times Orlando water restrictions allow. You don’t want it set to turn on too many times.
Take a Few Minutes to Inspect Sprinkler Heads
Make sure that precious water is going exactly where it’s supposed to, with no waste.
Sprinkler heads can get knocked out of alignment by mowers or heavy foot traffic. Take a peek once in a while.
Are your sprinkler heads hitting all areas of your lawn? Are they only hitting the lawn, or are they spraying areas they shouldn’t, like your sidewalks, driveway, or the side of your house?
Watch when your system turns on: Are all heads popping up all of the way? Is enough water spraying out? Or are any heads clogged with debris?
They might need attention.
Two Words: Rain Sensor
You don’t want to use your one precious watering day a week on a day it’s already raining.
That’s a huge waste of water. Get a rain sensor.
A rain sensor communicates with your sprinkler system's controller and will stop it from watering once it’s collected approximately 3/4 inch of rain. Then it keeps it off until the device dries out.
It’s a really easy way to help comply with Orlando water restrictions.
Is It Time to Update Your Irrigation System?
How old is your irrigation system? If you have to really think about it, now might be time for some updates to make sure when you’re complying with Orlando water restrictions, your sprinkler system is working its best.
An irrigation system’s life expectancy is about 20-25 years, depending on the quality of the system.
Over time, backflows stop working. Valves get stuck open. Sprinkler heads break. Lines bust.
If your irrigation repair technician shows up at your house more often than the pizza delivery car, you might consider upgrading your irrigation system to a new one that will save water and money.
Need Irrigation Tweaks to Comply with Orlando Water Restrictions? Trust Ground Source
Lawn watering restrictions in Orlando are in place to help conserve one of our most precious resources.
Make sure your irrigation system is doing its part.
Whatever goes wrong with whatever part of your irrigation system, our skilled technicians will have it back up and running in no time.
We’re irrigation experts, but our skills don’t stop there. We’re with you every step of the way as you plan your perfect outdoor space.
Sod, irrigation, landscape design: Let us transform your yard from an embarrassing eyesore to a place you spend every spare minute.
Are you ready to enjoy the vibrant, impressive yard you've always wanted? Request a quote today! We’ll help you review your options and then transform your property.
