Watering Restrictions

These instructions are EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2010 through at least June 30, 2012 or UNTIL RESCINDED by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). The instructions cover all of Manatee County.

Lawn Watering Schedule and Times

  • Lawn watering is limited to two (2) times per week. 
  • If your address is EVEN (the last digit is 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) you may water on Thursday AND/OR Sunday between the hours of Midnight to 10:00 a.m. OR between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to Midnight. 
  • If you address is Odd (the last digit is 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 or the property has no address) you may water on Wednesday AND/OR Saturday between the hours of Midnight to 10:00 a.m. OR between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to Midnight.
  • If the property has No address numbers you may water on Tuesday AND/OR Friday between the hours of Midnight to 10:00 a.m. OR between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to Midnight.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hand Watering and Micro or Drip Irrigation

Hand watering and micro-irrigation or drip-irrigation of plants, shrubs and trees (no lawns can be or are included) can be done on any day of the week and at any time of the day.  Use a shut-off nozzle on the hose.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fountains, Car Washing and Pressure Washing

There are no restrictions on fountains, car washing and pressure washing.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Sod, Seeds and Plugs and Plants, Trees and Shrubs (Establishment Period)

If you install new sod, seeds, plugs, new plants, trees or shrubs you are entitled to an establishment period of sixty days.  This establishment period allows you to irrigate every day, outside the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., for the first 30 days.  For the next thirty days you must reduce your irrigation to three times a week.  The days you can irrigate are based on your house number.  Even house numbers may irrigate on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday only.  Odd house numbers should irrigate on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday only.  Property owners should contact the Water Conservation office (941-792-8811, ext. 5327) and request a variance so you can establish your new landscape. 

When you have been given a variance number, your address will be put on a variance list available to water enforcement officers so you are not issued a citation for watering at times not allowed for your property. 

Please note that if you do not request a variance and are observed irrigating by water enforcement officers you will be given at least a warning notice.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Warning Notices and Citations – Unincorporated Manatee County Only

The Manatee County Utilities Department must enforce the SWFWMD rules.  Manatee County wishes to assist all citizens in the practice of good water conservation procedures.  Therefore, county personnel will issue warnings and citations to citizens who are in violation of the rules.  Water Violation Notices inform our citizens that they are in violation of SWFWMD rules and a review and/or change of irrigation practices is necessary.  Water Citations are issued ONLY if citizens have received a warning notice and have not modified the irrigation of their property to conform to the SWFWMD rules.  If you are observed watering between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. you will be subject to a water violation notice or a water citation.  Citation costs start with a $100 fine (plus costs).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reclaimed Water

As before, reclaimed water is not restricted – unless it is blended with another water source.  Reclaimed water is identifiable by the lavender color of the fire hydrants in the area and the lid on your meter box is lavender.  If your meter box lid is not lavender you do not have reclaimed water.

Manatee County Water Conservation Program
4410 66th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34210
Phone:  941-792-8811, x5327
Email:  water.saver@mymanatee.org

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Top Of Page