Water Restrictions and Conservation

Florida-Friendly landscapes protect Florida’s unique natural resources by conserving water, reducing waste and pollution, creating wildlife habitat and preventing erosion. Any landscape can be Florida-Friendly if it is designed and cared for according to the nine Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles, which encourage individual expression of landscape beauty.

• Look for low-maintenance plants that require minimal irrigation, fertilization or pest control
• Chose drought-tolderant, Florida-Friendly plants and minimize overwatering your lawn
• If you plan to apply organic or synthetic fertilizers, do your research to encourage the best plant growth and adhere to the City's fertilizer ordinance. 
• Use mulch as a way to control weeds, retain soil moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Cut down on mowing by replacing grass with mulch in shady areas where grass won't grow.
• Encourage wildlife by adding trees and plants that bear fruit and seed in your landscape. Plant foliage and flowers for butterflies, birds and bees. Native plants can be a good source of food for animals and insects. 
• Choose healthy, pest-resistant plants for your landscape. If you must use a pesticide, use insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils and other low-toxicity products. 
• Never dump grass clippings or other yard waste into swales or waterways. Follow our yard waste guidelines. 
• Reduce stormwater runoff by using porous materials like mulch and pavers for your sidewalks and driveways
• Protect waterfront property: Create a “maintenance-free zone” between the lawn or landscape and the water body. Don’t mow, fertilize or use pesticides in this area, which should be at least ten feet wide.

   

Learn more about Florida-Friendly Landscaping

Finding small ways to save water around your home can lead to large savings on your utilities bill.

• Take shorter showers
• Turn off your bathroom faucet while brushing teeth
• Only run appliances like dishwashers or washing machines when the load is full
• Reuse cooking water for watering plants
• Consider low flow water fixtures for your home

Detecting a Leak

If you start seeing an increase in your water use on your bill, but have not changed your water use habits, then you might have a leak.

• Check for toilet leaks. Pick up a free dye tablet from the Utilites cashiering counter at City Hall. Remove your toilet tank lid and drop a dye tablet into the tank. Allow the dye to sit in the tank for at least 15-30 minutes, without flushing the toilet. After the waiting period, examine the toilet bowl. If you see any color in the bowl, it indicates a leak from the tank to the bowl.
• Read your water meter. Turn off the water inside and outside your house, then check your meter. If the leak detection triangle is moving, you may have a leak
• Check for pooling water under your sinks, around your dishwasher, refrigerator with an ice maker, your water heater and your washing machine.

During cooler months in fall and winter, your lawn doesn’t need watering every week. It’s the best time to train your yard to need less water! Only water your lawn every other week and only if it needs it.

For the lawn, you’ll spot these signals if it needs water:

• Leaf blades are folded in half lengthwise.
• Grass has a blue-gray hue instead of bright green.
• Lawn does not bounce back as quickly after footprints and tire tracks are made.