- Residents limited to twice-weekly landscape watering -


DATE: January 13, 2010
MEDIA CONTACT: Kimberly Maroe, Public Information Manager
Broward County Commission
PHONE: 954-357-8053
EMAIL: kmaroe@broward.org

A permanent twice-a-week landscape watering schedule is now in place in Broward County in an effort to conserve and protect local water resources. Broward County Commissioners unanimously passed an ordinance on Tuesday, January 12, that makes two-day per week, year-round landscape watering restrictions mandatory for County, city and private water customers.

"We must conserve water now in order to meet future water demands. Water conservation shouldn't be the sideshow, it should be the main event," said Commissioner Kristin Jacobs, who co-sponsored the ordinance and serves as vice chair of the Broward County Water Resources Task Force. "This will delay the necessity and costs associated with building additional water treatment plants."

"This will be a seamless transition for our residents who have already been under water restrictions due to recent water shortages," said Commissioner Stacy Ritter, who directed the creation of the ordinance during her term as Broward County Mayor last year. Commissioner Ritter also serves on the Broward County Water Advisory Board.

Even-numbered addresses are permitted to water on Thursday and/or Sunday and odd-numbered addresses can water on Wednesday and/or Saturday. Year-round water conservation measures limiting landscape irrigation to two days per week are already being implemented in other parts of the state, including Miami-Dade County and Lee County. The County's adoption of the two-day per week schedule supports the South Florida Water Management District's recent adoption of a regional water conservation rule also limiting landscape irrigation to two days per week, but providing 10 counties the option of establishing a two- or three-day per week schedule. Tuesday's action by the Broward County Commission supports the more conservative option.

Landscape irrigation in Broward County is estimated to account for one-half of household water consumption and places a significant demand on local water resources. Recent water shortages, changes in regional water management and policy, and Everglades' restoration activities have placed greater emphasis on water conservation activities as part of a regional water management plan.

This ordinance is effective countywide as it sets minimum standards protecting the environment through a regulation preventing the destruction of resources belonging to the general public.

This new ordinance supports the Commission's vision for a "Pristine, Healthy Environment," as well as Commission goals to "Protect and Enhance the Environment" and "Encourage an Ethic of Conservation."