ALACHUA COUNTY – Recent rainfall may have brought some relief to dry conditions across North Florida, but Alachua County residents remain under water shortage restrictions as groundwater levels continue to recover from an extended rainfall deficit.
Extreme Water Shortage Orders issued by the water management district remain in effect throughout Alachua County, limiting landscape irrigation to one day per week and restricting other nonessential outdoor water use.
The restrictions apply regardless of the source of the water, including municipal systems, private wells and surface water.
Under the current schedule, residents with odd-numbered addresses may irrigate on Saturdays, while those with even-numbered addresses may water on Sundays. Nonresidential properties may irrigate on Tuesdays.
County officials said recent rainfall has improved conditions in some areas but has not been sufficient to restore groundwater levels affected by prolonged below-average rainfall.
“Rain is welcome, but a few significant rainfall events do not immediately reverse the effects of a prolonged rainfall deficit,” Alachua County Senior Environmental Specialist Luke Sekula said. “Residents may notice our traffic signs reminding everyone to conserve water.”
The restrictions extend beyond lawn and landscape irrigation.
Outdoor washing of streets, driveways, sidewalks, buildings and other impervious surfaces for aesthetic or other nonessential purposes is prohibited. Washing is allowed when necessary for health, safety, maintenance, construction or other essential purposes.
The restrictions apply to exterior cleaning regardless of whether the method is described as pressure washing, soft washing or another type of washing.
Residents washing vehicles, machinery or other mobile equipment are asked to use water-efficient methods.
County officials are also encouraging residents to check irrigation timers, repair leaks and avoid unnecessary outdoor water use. Discretionary activities requiring large amounts of water should be postponed when possible.
The county is using portable traffic signs in some areas to remind residents that the shortage declaration remains in effect.
Information about current watering restrictions and conservation measures is available through Alachua County’s water conservation website at AlachuaCountyWater.org.
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