With the return to Standard Time, there was a mandatory change to the outdoor irrigation schedule that was reduced to two days a week for residents of 16 Florida counties, including Orange.
Under the St. John's River Water Management District (SJRWMD) irrigation restrictions, residential property owners with even addresses can only water on Sundays while owners with odd or no addresses cannot. It can only be poured on Saturday. Non-residential homeowners can only water on Tuesdays. Customers are advised to water only when needed, not between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The one day per week watering rule applies until the second Sunday in March.
If you're resetting your outdoor watering schedule, now is a good time to do some extra checks on your home to make sure you're saving as much water as possible. A few simple changes can help you lower your water bill while also making sure there are no sneaky leaks in your home.
Here are some tips from the OUC conservation specialists for protecting water inside and outside your home:
- Water your lawn wisely. Irrigation accounts for more than half of all central Florida water use, but there are ways to minimize the impact. Don't water more than an hour per area of your garden, avoid watering on windy days, set sprinklers to water the lawn rather than the sidewalk, and avoid sprinklers that give off a fine mist. Make sure plants aren't blocking sprinklers and turn off sprinklers when it rains.
- Check your automatic sprinkler system. Check your system for leaks and broken sprinkler heads at least once or twice a month, and make repairs quickly. Look for signs of broken or leaking sprinkler hoses by looking for muddy or overgrown areas. Make sure your sprinkler system timer / controller is working properly as planned so that it runs on the right days, at the right time, and for the right duration.
- Make some changes to the outside. Aside from watering your garden, there are other ways to keep water out of your home. Clean driveways and sidewalks with a broom instead of a hose, and use a spray nozzle when washing your car to stop the flow of water between washes. Cover your pool or spa to reduce evaporation and regularly check the pool or spa for leaks to make repairs quickly.
- Saving water in your home takes a few simple steps. Simple ways to save water include taking shorter showers, turning off the water when brushing or shaving, washing only full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine, refilling the sink with water, and turning off the faucet to wash the dishes by hand. and use rubbish sparingly. If you want to go further, you can install efficient showers and flush valves in toilets.
- Identify and repair leaks in your home. In a typical home, a leaky toilet and faucet can waste hundreds of gallons of water a day, adding unnecessary water and sewer charges on your utility bill. To find hidden leaks in your home, make sure there is no water flowing into the house and check your water meter. If the meter moves, there may be a leak somewhere. Check for leaky taps inside and outside your home. A worn out washing machine could easily be the problem. Check the water level in the toilet tank. If it is too high, water will be wasted.
When you've done all of these steps and are still looking for other ways to conserve energy, call a conservation specialist to schedule a free home energy and water efficiency audit. OUC. Each call typically lasts less than an hour and is tailored to your home and usage. The specialist explains your personal use and offers you useful solutions. OUC customers can schedule an audit by calling 407-423-9018 or at www.ouc.com/audit-inquiry .
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