The Southwest Florida Water Management District has recently issued a water shortage order covering multiple counties, including Charlotte County.
This directive, effective since Thursday, maintains existing watering schedules but places restrictions on what is deemed “wasteful and unnecessary” water consumption. A public announcement from Charlotte County Utilities, shared on Facebook, provides clarity on permitted lawn watering days.
Homes with addresses ending in an even number are authorized to water their lawns on Thursdays and Sundays, either before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Conversely, addresses with an odd ending number have the flexibility to water their lawns on Wednesdays and Saturdays during the specified time frames. Those without numeric endings can engage in lawn watering on Tuesdays and Fridays, within the designated hours.
Residents will be subject to these restrictions for 30 days, after which they will be allowed to water their lawns on three designated days per week. Notably, for addresses concluding with a number, Tuesday will be incorporated into the allowable schedule. Addresses lacking a numerical ending can water lawns on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays.
In addition to these guidelines, Charlotte County Utilities encourages water conservation through practical measures such as checking for and promptly repairing broken pipes and sprinkler heads, being mindful of weather conditions before watering, optimizing the full capacity of water-using appliances like dishwashers and washing machines, limiting lawn irrigation to essential needs, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, and using a dish tub for washing dishes followed by a quick rinse. These practices are crucial in ensuring responsible water usage during the prevailing shortage conditions.
Related reports indicate that water shortage concerns have also been declared in certain areas of Cape Coral and unincorporated sections of Lee County. While the specified watering times will remain unchanged, residents are urged to adhere to these guidelines to mitigate the impact of the water shortage and contribute to the conservation efforts in the region.