Purpose


The purpose of the proposed rule development is to amend the General Permit By Rule that regulates small irrigation uses below consumptive use permit thresholds in Rule 40C-2.042, F.A.C. Amendments include: repeal of the exceptions for use of reclaimed water and recycled water from wet detention treatment ponds for irrigation; amendment to the limiting conditions to prohibit chemigation and fertigation between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.; restriction of the watering-in of chemicals to ¼ inch of water per application except as otherwise required by law; the manufacturer or best management practices; limitation of the operation of landscape irrigation systems for routine maintenance to 1 day per week; providing that where reclaimed water is available, use of private irrigation wells are not authorized; establishing a specific 2 day per week landscape irrigation schedule for the months of March through November; establishing a 1 day per week irrigation schedule for the months of December through February; providing limitations on the volume of water applied during the specified landscape irrigation days; providing that a local government landscape irrigation ordinance may not include more restrictive or expansive provisions than those set forth in paragraphs 40C-2.042(2)(a)-(c), F.A.C.; and revising the Applicant’s Handbook: Consumptive Uses of Water, to reflect these changes.