Citrus County Utilities: Water Conservation Measures & Gardening Classes
Nights are finally cooler and daytime temperatures lower.
In Florida, Fall and Winter irrigation can be reduced to just one irrigation every 14 days. This applies to December, January and February.
If you have a Water Sense labeled irrigation controller, your schedule will automatically reduce irrigation every week, rather than skipping a week.
December, January & February:
One irrigation of 1/2” to 3/4” every 14 days.
Wait another 14 days after each 1/2” rain event.
If you are here for the winter, many customers find it is easiest to turn the controller to the OFF position, then turn it back on when needed. Do not unplug the controller, as this may cause loss of settings. Some customers report not having to irrigate all winter.
1/2” of irrigation is about 30 to 45 minutes per rotor head zone and 15 to 20 minutes per spray head zone.
Don't fall into a pattern of watering all winter! When temperatures drop, it's time to update your irrigation controller.
Call to report new plantings that require additional irrigation (352) 527-7669. Per restrictions, allowable watering is limited to one day per week, either before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. (not both), as follows:
Irrigation is based on the last digit of the address.
Citizens in Citrus County, FL may choose to irrigate during one of the two timeframes 12:00 am to 10:00 am, or 4:00 pm to 11:59 pm on their allowable day – NOT both.
Address ending in 0 or 1 - Irrigate on Monday;
Address ending in 2 or 3 - Irrigate on Tuesday;
Address ending in 4 or 5 - Irrigate on Wednesday;
Address ending 6 or 7 - Irrigate on Thursday;
Address ending in 8 or 9 and locations with a mix of addresses, or no address - Irrigate on Friday.
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, address, phone number and irrigation controller model. We will respond to requests in the order received.
REBATES AVAILABLE
* Rain Sensor Replacement - $50
* Water Sense labeled Toilet - up to $100 (pre-approval required)
* Water Sense labeled Irrigation Controller - $100 (auto-adjusting controller)
Submit applications to https://citruswater.wufoo.com/forms/rebate-application-2021/
or call (352) 527-7669 for other options.
Shorten your shower one minute and save 540 gallons per year.
Switch your showerhead and save 2,700 gallons per year.
Shower Better. Look for the EPA Water Sense label. epa.gov/watersense
You skip a shower...Save 17 gallons of water.
You skip a shower...save 17 gallons of water.
Your yard skips a shower...save 2,500 gallons of water.
Rye grass is a Rye Overseedingnice option to brighten up a winter landscape. However, please keep in mind that Rye grass does not qualify for additional irrigation. Thankfully, the seed typically germinates using Florida’s abundant nighttime dew. For best results, rake yard before spreading seed.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program
These FREE workshops are currently being held online on the following days:
Tuesday, December 8 - Soils in Florida landscapes
Tuesday, December 22 - Invasive plants & pests
Tuesday, January 5 - Right Plant, Right Place
Tuesday, January 19 - Create a Florida-Friendly landscape
Wednesday, January 20 - Irrigation 101
For details and to register, go to: https://ccufflprogram.eventbrite.com
Fall / Winter Reminders
Fertilizer - Winter’s short days and cool nights trigger grass to go dormant and cast off its roots. No fertilizer should be applied until April, when roots are re-established.
Mowing - Winter dormancy means less mowing because grass simply isn’t growing much. For greatest freeze tolerance, most Bahia and St. Augustine grass varieties should NOT be cut below 3.5” to 4”.
Frequent hand washing uses very little water. Residents are encouraged to continue frequent hand washing. There are no restrictions on water use to respond to COVID-19.
December
Herbs: Some examples of cool-weather herbs include parsley, thyme, sage, dill, fennel, garlic, comfrey, and cilantro. See Herbs: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_herbs
Annuals/Bedding Plants: Masses of petunia, pansy, snapdragon, lobelia, alyssum, and viola add color in winter.
See Annuals: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_annual_landscape_plants
Vegetables: Reliable cool-season vegetables include cabbages, collards, beets, and broccoli.
See Vegetable Gardening in Florida: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_vegetable_gardening
Mulch: Use fallen leaves to provide the carbon ingredient needed for successful composting and also to make a good mulch. See Backyard Composting:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_home_composting and Landscape Mulches: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_mulch
For more details, visit: https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/florida-gardening-calendar/
Citrus County Department of Water Resources
3600 W Sovereign Path Ste 202; Lecanto, FL 34461-7726
Phone: (352) 527-7669
Email: WaterConservation@Citrusbocc.com