40E-24.011. Policy and Purpose

(1) This chapter comprises the Mandatory Year-Round Landscape Irrigation Conservation Measures within the boundaries of the South Florida Water Management District (District). These mandatory conservation measures are intended to provide a framework for consistent implementation to ensure the long-term sustainability of the water resources of the region, increase water use efficiency and prevent and curtail wasteful water use practices through regulatory means for landscape irrigation by all users. Water savings achieved by public and private water supply utilities through conservation may be used to extend the availability of all water sources to meet future demands and defer the need for additional capital investment in alternative water supplies, subject to compliance with Chapter 40E-2, F.A.C. Local governments are encouraged to implement these conservation measures through the adoption of ordinances that would include these measures, variance and enforcement provisions. These measures are in addition to the Chapter 40E-2, F.A.C., provisions and non-regulatory measures, such as education and incentive programs, which are also utilized by the District to promote water conservation. These conservation measures prohibit landscape irrigation during those periods of the day when irrigation efficiency significantly decreases, and limit landscape irrigation water use to two days per week except as specified herein. Users are encouraged to apply no more than 3/4-inch to 1-inch of water per week on their lawns and landscapes and only as needed to supplement rainfall. However, provisions have been made in this chapter to allow landscape irrigation three days per week in designated counties to address utility operational, health, and safety and landscape concerns.

(2) This chapter applies to all water users unless specified otherwise herein.

(3) This chapter only applies to landscape irrigation as defined herein. This chapter does not apply to agricultural irrigation.

(4) In concert with the establishment of the year round landscape irrigation conservation measures of this chapter, the District commits to the following activities:

(a) Coordinate with stakeholders to develop and implement a water conservation partnership plan to further promote conservation and efficient use of water;

(b) On at least an annual basis, evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the District’s water conservation partnership plan; and,

(c) No later than five years from the effective date of this chapter, District staff shall provide the Governing Board with recommendations based on a comprehensive evaluation of this chapter and its implementation. The Governing Board may revise this chapter at any time, as it deems appropriate.

Rulemaking Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.171 FS. Law Implemented 373.042, 373.0421, 373.171, 373.219, 373.223, 373.227 FS. History–New 6-12-03, Amended 3-15-10, 7-14-14.