In response to ongoing drought conditions and increased demand on Punta Gorda’s potable water supply, the city's Council Wednesday enacted an emergency ordinance to implement water conservation measures, establishing a mandatory irrigation schedule restricting the watering of established lawns and landscaping to once per week.
The City’s water conservation measures align with the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s regulations and are intended to ensure sustainable water usage during this period of high demand.
The new watering schedule is as follows:
- Mondays – Addresses ending in 0 or 1
- Tuesdays – Addresses ending in 2 or 3
- Wednesdays – Addresses ending in 4 or 5
- Thursdays – Addresses ending in 6 or 7
- Fridays – Addresses ending in 8 or 9 or locations with no addresses
- Saturdays – Addresses ending in a letter or locations without a discernable address
Certain activities, such as hand watering of landscaping, car washing, and pressure washing, will be allowed provided they are conducted efficiently using a shutoff nozzle. Additionally, newly installed lawns may be watered daily for the first 30 days following installation.
Violations of the ordinance will be enforced in accordance with Chapter 17, Article III, Sections 17-23 and 17-24 of the Punta Gorda Code. The emergency ordinance will remain in effect for 180 days unless extended or repealed by the City Council.
“The City of Punta Gorda is committed to protecting our water resources and ensuring our residents have access to sustainable water supply,” said the City Manager. “We appreciate the community’s cooperation in adhering to these necessary conservation measures.”
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