Palm Coast is under an “extreme water shortage order” due to ongoing drought conditions across the region, city officials announced May 15.
The order, issued by the St. Johns River Water Management District, affects Flagler County and multiple counties across Northeast Florida as well.
According to the district, “below-average rainfall, declining groundwater levels, and reduced river flows continue to place significant stress on regional water resources,” the city said in a press release.
As part of the “Phase III Water Shortage Order, landscape irrigation is now limited to one day per week based on address numbering for all water users, including private well users.”
The updated irrigation schedule, established by the district, is as follows:
“In addition, landscape irrigation is prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.,” officials added. “Residents should note that this restriction expands the previously prohibited irrigation hours and may require adjustments to automatic sprinkler system settings.”
Residents with a “retail reclaimed meter are not impacted by the restricted irrigation schedule.”
Palm Coast water restrictions include pressure washing, car and boat washing
The district has also “implemented limitations on certain aesthetic water uses, including activities such as pressure washing and washing vehicles, boats and mobile equipment,” the press release said.
“The Phase III restrictions are designed to promote the efficient use of water while still allowing enough irrigation to help maintain healthy landscapes year-round,” according to the city. “The restrictions establish when irrigation may occur, how often watering is permitted, and how water resources are managed during drought conditions.”
Officials also emphasized that irrigation systems will continue to operate in public spaces such as parks, medians and common areas during the water shortage.
“These systems use reclaimed water, which is a highly treated recycled water source that helps reduce demand on potable groundwater supplies,” according to city officials.
The district will continue “monitoring conditions throughout the region” but has not indicated when the order will be lifted. “Additional restrictions could be implemented if drought conditions worsen,” according to officials.
For information on the restrictions, residents are encouraged to visit the district website at sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions/.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Palm Coast under ‘extreme water shortage order.’ How it affects you
Reporting by Brenno Carillo, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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