Citrus County Utilities Water-wise News: water conservation,
With some daytime temperatures in the 80s and most nights in the 50s, winter is behind us. If you have not already done so, adjust irrigation to the allowable once per week schedule detailed below. If you have a Water Sense labeled irrigation controller, do not adjust your schedule because the controller will automatically increase the amount of water it applies per the weather conditions at your home. Call to report new plantings that require additional irrigation to (352) 527-7669.
One scheduled irrigation of 1/2” to 3/4” per week is allowed. That is about 30 to 45 minutes per rotor head zone and 15 to 20 minutes per spray head zone. This is the schedule you will maintain until next fall/winter. Do verify that your rain sensor is functioning to reduce and/or eliminate irrigation during or shortly after a 1/2" to 3/4 rainfall.
Per restrictions, allowable watering is limited to ONE day per week, during ONE of two timeframes - NOT BOTH, on the person's allowable day (see IRRIGATION SCHEDULE, directly below)
12:00 am midnight to 10:00 am
or
4:00 pm to 11:59 pm
IRRIGATION SCHEDULE (based on the last number of the resident's address)
MONDAY: Addresses ending in 0 or 1.
TUESDAY: Addresses ending in 2 or 3.
WEDNESDAY: Addresses ending in 4 or 5.
THURSDAY: Addresses ending 6 or 7.
FRIDAY: Addresses ending in 8 or 9, and locations with a mix of addresses (such as an apartment complex), or no address.
OTHER INFORMATION
If you are unsure how to modify the irrigation watering schedule, the County may be able to offer guidance via phone on some controller models. Call 352-527-7669 and leave a message with your name, phone number and irrigation controller model. We will respond to requests in the order received.
Planting a beautiful yard this spring? Spruce up your sprinkler before you ramp up your water use.
A broken or missing sprinkler head could waste 25,000 gallons of water and $280 over a six-month irrigation season.
Before you ramp up your watering this spring, spruce up your irrigation system by remembering four simple steps—inspect, connect, direct, and select:
•INSPECT. Check your system for clogged, broken, or missing sprinkler heads or go with a pro. Look for an irrigation professional certified through a WaterSense labeled program to help.
•CONNECT. Examine points where the sprinkler heads connect to pipes/hoses. If water pools in your landscape or you have large wet areas, you could have a leak in your system.
•DIRECT. Are you watering the driveway, house, or sidewalk instead of your yard? Redirect sprinklers to apply water only to the landscape.
•SELECT. Unless you have a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller, update your watering schedule with the seasons or select a WaterSense labeled controller to take the guesswork out of scheduling. $100 account credit available to Citrus County Utilities water customers.
FOR MORE IRRIGATION TIPS
For more tips, visit: www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoors.
FREE ONLINE GARDENING CLASS
Tuesday, April 20, 2021, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program
Right plant, right place. Most new gardeners learn this important lesson through trial and error. But, why not get ahead of the curve and get some advice from the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program? Choosing the right plants and planting them correctly helps ensure garden success. And these plants require little to no water once established. Reserve your spot today. Participate through your computer, smart phone or both. For details and to register, go to: https://ccufflprogram.eventbrite.com.
WATER SAVING PRODUCTS AND REBATES
Take advantage of Rebates: EPA Water Sense logo
•Rain Sensor Replacement - $50
•Water Sense labeled Toilet - up to $100 (pre-approval required) Two toilets per household.
•Water Sense labeled Irrigation Controller - $100 (auto-adjusting controller)
Submit applications to: https://citruswater.wufoo.com/forms/rebate-application-2021/ . Questions, call (352) 527-7669.
APRIL PLANTING
Annuals/Bedding Plants:
New varieties of coleus do well in sun or shade and provide vivid colors and patterns for months.
See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_annual_landscape_plants.
Perennials / Bulbs:
Divide clumps of bulbs, ornamental grasses, or herbaceous perennials to expand or rejuvenate garden beds or to pass along to friends.
See Bulbs for Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bulbous_flowers and Perennial Landscape Plants: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_perennials.
Herbs:
Plant heat-loving herbs, including basil, oregano, sage, Mexican tarragon, and rosemary.
See Herbs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs.
Vegetables:
Continue planting warm-season crops. Mulch well to prevent weeds and provide irrigation if rainfall is lacking.
See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening.
GARDENING CALENDAR
https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar/
CONTACT CITRUS COUNTY UTILITIES
Mailing Address:
Citrus County Department of Water Resources
3600 W Sovereign Path Ste 202
Lecanto, FL 34461-7726
Phone: (352) 527-7669
Email: Debra.Burden@Citrusbocc.com