Mandatory Water Restrictions in Effect
New Water Restrictions Take Effect April 18, 2008
The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is issuing new water restrictions that will take effect on April 18, 2008.
The new, mandatory restrictions apply to homes and businesses that use City water or water from other sources including private wells, canals, ponds and lakes.
Lawn Watering Restrictions
Effective April 18, 2008, residents and businesses are limited to a two-day-per-week landscape irrigation schedule with two "watering windows."
- Addresses that end in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) may water lawns and landscapes on Wednesdays and Saturdays from midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
- Addresses ending in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) may water lawns and landscapes on Thursdays and Sundays from midnight to 10 a.m. and/or 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Please note: Residents should avoid watering during both time periods on the same day. The SFWMD recommends the efficient use of water, which includes placing a maximum of about three-quarters of an inch to an inch of water once per week on lawns and watering during the early morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest to reduce evaporation losses.
- Hand-watering with one hose fitted with an automatic shut-off nozzle is allowed for 10 minutes per day (on any day) for landscape stress relief and to prevent plant die-off.
- Landscape irrigation using 100% reclaimed water is allowed any day except Friday, from midnight to 10 a.m. and/or from 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
New Plantings, Sod or Landscape
New landscaping should be installed within a reasonable time from the date of purchase and verified with a receipt or invoice.
In place on first day:
New landscaping can be watered without regard to restrictions on the first day it is installed.
In place from 2 days to 31 days:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday AND/OR Sunday (any days except Friday): 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. AND/OR 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
In place from 31 days to 60 days:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, AND/OR Saturday: 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. AND/OR 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
Additional watering days can only be used to benefit new landscaping, and an entire irrigation system zone may only be watered if it contains at least 50% new landscaping. If less than 50%, use targeted or hand-watering.
Other Water Uses
- Vehicle washing, boat washing, pressure cleaning, or water used for decorative fountains, pools or other water-based recreation are not restricted however, voluntary conservation is encouraged.
- When washing a car or vehicle, park it over a non-paved surface to limit runoff and use a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
- Indoor water use is not restricted, but voluntary conservation is encouraged.
For additional information, residents are encouraged to call the SFWMD’s toll-free Water Shortage Hotline at 1-800-662-8876 or contact their regional SFWMD service center. Helpful water conservation tips and specific information on current water use restrictions are available at www.savewaterfl.com.
Enforcement of Water Restrictions
The City of Fort Lauderdale is actively enforcing the water restrictions.
Drought Surcharge
When the SFWMD declares water restrictions, the City of Fort Lauderdale implements a drought surcharge for all residential and commercial water, wastewater and irrigation accounts.
The surcharge amount will vary depending on the type of water account and the number of gallons used above the established limits for that type of account.
When will I see the change to Phase II surcharge rates reflected in my monthly utility bill?
Per the City’s ordinance, charges incurred in the month of April will be billed at the Phase III rates. Beginning with the May billing cycle, customers will be billed at Phase II rates. Customers will see the change on their June statements.
The following tables provide information about the City of Fort Lauderdale's water and sewer rates, as well as the drought surcharge for each type of water account:
Water and Sewer Rates
Water and Sewer Drought Surcharge Rates
For more information, please contact the City's 24-hour Customer Service Center at 954-828-8000.
Water Conservation Tips
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that applies to this surcharge.