LAKELAND, FL (May 4, 2010) – Emergency Water Restrictions established by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) on January 16, 2007 are still in effect.  These restrictions are in response to the dry conditions and recent impacts on our water resources.

These restrictions apply to the use of water from public and private water utilities as well as the use of all wells and surface water sources (lakes, ponds, rivers, etc).  There is one day per week restrictions for lawn and landscape watering.  Properties less than two acres may only water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. but not both.  Properties larger than two acres may only water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. but not both. Hand watering with an automatic shut-off devise is not restricted by day.

Residential and commercial landscape must adhere to the following water schedule:
·         Addresses Ending in 0 or 1 may only irrigate on Monday
·         Addresses Ending in 2 or 3 may only irrigate on Tuesday
·         Addresses Ending in 4 or 5 may only irrigate on Wednesday
·         Addresses Ending in 6 or 7 may only irrigate on Thursday
·         Addresses Ending in 8 or 9 may only irrigate on Friday

Watering out of cycle is allowed for new plant material.
·         New material may be watered out of cycle for up to 60 days for establishment (Keep a receipt for proof of new material, before and after pictures are also helpful)
·         A minimum of 50% the area being water must contain new plants or sod
·         New plant material may be watered in any time on the day of planting

Watering in of pesticides and fertilizers as required by the manufacturer of the product is allowed on any day.  Signs must be posted on the lawn and the date of the application must be written clearly on the back of the sign.  These applications are not restricted to the appointed irrigation day.

If you would like additional information and to view a more detailed list of water restrictions please visit www.watermaters.org.

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CONTACT:
Kevin Cook
Director of Communications
City of Lakeland
863/834-6264 (PH)
www.lakelandgov.net
Twitter @lakelandgov