Water shortage declared in Sarasota, Manatee counties. What does this mean for lawns? - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Water shortage declared in Sarasota, Manatee counties

Water shortage declared in Sarasota, Manatee counties. What does this mean for lawns?
Melissa Pérez-Carrillo

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a water shortage in Sarasota and Manatee counties, along with nine other counties.

The governing board for the district has voted to declare a Modified Phase 1 Water Shortage Order because of dry conditions and water supply concerns. The order will prohibit wasteful or unnecessary water use.

The restrictions will apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, and Sumer counties. Portions of Charlotte, Highlands, Marion, Lee, and Lake counties will also be included.

Previous coverage: Recent rains helped blunt blazing heat but didn't ease the drought in Sarasota-Manatee

How much rain has Sarasota-Bradenton gotten?

The district reported a lower than normal rainfall during its summer rainy season with a 9.2-inch districtwide rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. Water levels for the district’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers, and lakes are beginning to decline.

This comes after the state experienced drought-like conditions and the hottest July on record. In the Sarasota-Bradenton area, that meant an average high of 93.6 degrees and an average nighttime low of 78.8 degrees – roughly 3.1 degrees hotter than normal.

More: Sarasota breaks historic heat record for the month of July. Here are 5 ways to stay safe.

According to the National Weather Service, the monthly rain average also saw a dip:

- July: 1.10 inches, average 7.47 inches
- August: 9.12 inches, average 9.01 inches
- September: 1.88 inches, average 6.55 inches
- October: 0.70 inches, average 2.18 inches.

What does this mean for lawn care?

Sarasota County has a once-per-week watering restriction and Manatee County has a twice-per-week watering restriction due to the shortage.

Here are things to know before using water on your lawn:

- Check their irrigation systems for broken pipes, leaks, or damaged sprinkler heads.
- Low-volume watering of plants and shrubs is allowed any day and at any time.
- Properties under two acres in size may only water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect.
- Properties two acres or larger may only water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect.

Once-per-week lawn watering days and times if your address house number ends in:

- 0 or 1, water only on Monday
- 2 or 3, water only on Tuesday
- 4 or 5, water only on Wednesday
- 6 or 7, water only on Thursday
- 8 or 9, water only on Friday