Citrus County Waterwise News; Modified Phase I Water Shortage
Winter Lawn Water Conservation
Florida's cool-weather season has arrived. University of Florida research suggests that grass requires less water in the cooler months.
Many Florida residents turn the irrigation controller to the ‘OFF’ position from December through February, and then turn ‘ON’ after two weeks of no rainfall. Keep the controller plugged in, to maintain settings. If you have a Water Sense-labeled irrigation controller, there is no need to adjust the schedule because the controller will automatically reduce irrigation each week while it is cool.
During December, January and February, lawns need to be irrigated about once every 14 days. It can be helpful to turn the irrigation system to the 'OFF' position. Then, only turn it to the 'ON' position after 2 weeks of no rainfall. Many residents are able to rely on rainfall for the entire winter!
Per restrictions, watering is limited to 1 day per week, either before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. (but not both), as follows:
Addresses (House Numbers) Ending in:
• 0 or 1 - Monday
• 2 or 3 - Tuesday
• 4 or 5 - Wednesday
• 6 or 7 - Thursday
• 8 or 9 and locations with a mix of addresses or no address - Friday
Modified Phase I Water Shortage
A Modified Phase I Water Shortage order has been declared by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The water shortage order does not change allowable once per week watering in Citrus County (the above watering schedule remains in effect). However, the order does prohibit “wasteful and unnecessary” water use, which includes:
• Allowing water to flow from a broken sprinkler head, outdoor faucet, or other malfunctioning plumbing or irrigation system component, after receiving verbal or written notice of the malfunction.
• Allowing water to flow from an unattended garden hose.
• Hand watering a lawn on an otherwise restricted day or more than once a day.
• Hosing-down a driveway, building or other impervious surface, to remove debris that can be removed with a broom or other dry methods.
• Allowing water to be dispersed without any practical purpose, in a grossly inefficient manner, or to accomplish a task that can be achieved without the use of water.
Rebates for Water Saving Products
Visit epa.gov/watersense
• Irrigation Controller Rebate - $100
Upgrade to a water Sense labeled irrigation controller that automatically adjusts irrigation amounts in response to cold weather. A $100 rebate is available to customers with irrigation attached to Citrus County's water system. Fpr details, visit citrusbocc.com/departments/water_resources/water_conservation/programs/water_savers_rebate_program.php.
• Rain Sensor Replacement - $50
• Water Sense labeled Toilet - $100 for the first toilet, and $75 for a second toilet (to replace a pre-1995 toilet; pre-approval is required).
If you have questions abougt rebates, please call (352) 527-7669.
Free Check-up
Schedule a free one-time irrigation checkup, rain sensor test & controller adjustment training. Call (352) 527-7669 for an appointment.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program
Join a FREE workshop, available in-person or online. Upcoming topics include:
• Managing Pest Wisely
• Healthy Winter Landscapes
• Right Plant, Right Place
• 9 Florida-Friendly Principles
For a complete list of workshops, and to register, visit: ccufflprogram.eventbrite.com. If you need Florida-Friendly Landscaping advice, call Florida-Friendly Landscaping Coordinator Steven Davis at (352) 527-5708.
Winter Landscape Reminders
• Hold off on nitrogen-containing fertilizer until April.
• Keep most Bahia and St. Augustine grasses about four inches high year-round for drought and freeze protection.
• Avoid irrigating while soil is still moist to reduce chances of disease such as Large Patch or Brown Patch. For information, visit edis.ifas.UFL.edu/LH044
• Use fallen leaves in landscape beds as mulch and insulation from cold.
• Rye seed does not qualify for additional irrigation.
• Only irrigate about once every 14 days from December through February. If it rains, wait another 14 days.
December Landscaping Tips (University of Florida)
• Annuals/Bedding Plants:
Cool-season annuals include pansy, viola, petunia, and snapdragon. See Annuals: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topics/annuals.
• Herbs:
Examples of cool-weather herbs include parsley, thyme, sage, dill, fennel, garlic, comfrey, and cilantro. See Herbs: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs.
• Bulbs:
Amaryllis can be forced to bloom now or planted outdoors for spring blooms. See Bulbs for Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_bulbous_flowers.
• Vegetables:
Reliable cool-season vegetables include cabbages, collards, beets, and broccoli. Make sure that seeds and transplants are properly spaced for good development of tubers and vegetables. See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening.
For more details on these topics and more, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar.
If you are planning to add to your landscape, the Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Guide to Plant Selection and Landscape Design offers color images, zones hardiness, drought tolerance, light requirement and more; visit ffl.ifas.ufl.edu/homeowners/publications.htm, twitter.com/citrusbocc, or
www.facebook.com/CitrusCountyBOCC.
Citrus County Utilities
Mailing Address:
Citrus County Department of Water Resources
3600 W. Sovereign Path, Suite 202
Lecanto, FL 34461-7726
Phone: (352) 527-7669
Email: Debra.Burden@Citrusbocc.com