ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – Last week, St. Johns County officials announced an update to the reclaimed water ordinance, originally established in 2010. The change aims to enhance water conservation efforts and ensure a reliable supply of reclaimed water for residents.
Teri Shoemaker, the chief engineer for development services at St. Johns County Utilities, explained that the ordinance previously restricted residents to one day of watering per week in winter and two days per week in summer. Additionally, watering was prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The recently updated amendment allows utilities to impose restrictions on reclaimed water usage, if necessary, to maintain adequate water pressure and service.
“We wanted to go ahead and just change one sentence to say that utilities could, in fact, restrict reclaimed water if it was necessary for operations to maintain good water pressure and service to the residents irrigating with that reclaimed water,” Shoemaker said.
New irrigation schedule for SilverLeaf community
As part of the ordinance update, the county is rolling out a new irrigation schedule for the SilverLeaf community. This schedule aims to change residents’ watering behaviors and reduce peak demand on the water supply.
“We’re doing our first rollout of an irrigation schedule to Silver Landing in the SilverLeaf community,” Teri said. “It‘s just trying to change that behavior and get people to water on a certain day and time to get the best service.”
The irrigation schedule will depend on residents’ addresses, with specific days and times assigned for watering. Residents in Silver Landing have already received postcards detailing their designated watering times. Teri mentioned that feedback has been positive, with many residents appreciating the improved service.
Enforcement and exemptions
Currently, there are no fines associated with the new watering restrictions.
“At this point, we have no mechanism to enforce it or do any kind of fines,” Shoemaker explained.
However, if necessary, the county may consider turning off water access to neighborhoods on certain days to manage demand. Residents can request exemptions for situations such as new sod installation through a process available on the county’s website.
Importance of responsible watering practices
As the summer approaches, the county encourages residents to be mindful of their watering habits.
“Just look at how often you’re watering. Some people think the more they water, the better it is. But really it‘s not the case,” Shoemaker noted.
The St. Johns County Utilities website offers resources, including videos from the University of Florida, to help residents optimize their irrigation practices.
Residents in neighborhoods with access to reclaimed water, such as SilverLeaf, Banyan Lakes, and Windward Ranch, can find their specific watering schedules on the utility’s website. Teri emphasized that habits such as adjusting timers and sprinklers can conserve water and save money.
