Smart Irrigation Month begins on July 1, serving as an important reminder that small changes can make a big difference for your landscape, your wallet and our natural resources.

DID YOU KNOW: Approximately 50 percent of residential water is used for irrigation.

WATERING WISELY: Whether you care for your lawn, an outdoor garden, or a patio oasis, we can all help ensure a more sustainable water supply by watering wisely and following local irrigation ordinances.

EFFICIENT IRRIGATION: As temperatures rise in the summer, the demand for water for irrigation also increases. A healthy landscape only needs 1 inch to 1.5 inches of water per week throughout the summer growing season. 

Our region usually receives significant rainfall during the summer months. Summertime rains often mean that residents can turn off their irrigation systems completely. In the winter, when a lawn goes dormant, it requires even less water. Smart sensors or rain sensors turn off sprinklers automatically. 

WATER-SAVING TIPS: Implementing simple water-saving practices helps protect our water resources now and for future generations. These irrigation tips can help you conserve water this summer and all year long.

• Watch the weather, wait to water. Check the forecast to see if rain is on the way before turning on your irrigation system.

• Water efficiently. Watering in the middle of the day is not allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when evaporation rates are highest. Most local governments have an ordinance with these restricted hours, and some are more restrictive. 

• Keep your irrigation system in check. Inspect your irrigation system frequently for leaks and overspray to conserve water. Adjust and position sprinklers properly. Ensure irrigation heads are aimed at landscaping rather than sidewalks, driveways, or roadways to reduce runoff and water waste. 

• Install a rain sensor. This recognizes when nature provides the water your lawn needs and shuts off automatic sprinklers. Make sure sensors are properly programmed. 

• Use drip or micro-irrigation systems. These systems deliver water to the root of plants (plant root zones), so less is lost to the atmosphere.

• Add Florida-friendly plants. Florida-friendly landscaping is better suited to Florida's growing conditions and requires less water to remain healthy.

• Use mulch. This helps retain soil moisture and prevents the growth of weeds. 

• Follow local irrigation requirements. Know the times and the days of the week you can water based on year-round irrigation ordinances in your area.

CONSERVE WATER YEAR-ROUND: The South Florida Water Management District and many local counties and municipalities established year-round irrigation restrictions to help protect our water supply. These restrictions are designed to reduce unnecessary irrigation while still allowing enough water to maintain healthy landscapes year-round. Visit SFWMD.gov/LandscapeIrrigation to learn more about irrigation restrictions and view allowed run times for your sprinkler system.

LEARN MORE: We encourage you to make the most of Smart Irrigation Month by practicing efficient irrigation. To learn more about the ways you can conserve water and protect the region’s water resources, visit SFWMD.gov/WaterConservation.