The return to Standard Time marks the start of the one-day-per-week lawn watering schedule in Central Florida. Customers are reminded to adjust irrigation timers to irrigate on the correct day and time:
Homes with odd-numbered or no addresses are allowed to water on Saturdays, while even-numbered addresses can water on Sundays. Non-residential properties can water on Tuesdays. This irrigation schedule is in effect until March 8, 2026, when Daylight Saving Time returns.
Please follow these watering guidelines:
- Water only when needed to meet landscape needs and not between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Limit irrigation to no more than ¾” of water per zone per irrigation day.
- Water for no more than one hour per zone per irrigation day
- Restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water and water from public and private utilities.
- If you have planted a section of new grass or plants, that area may be watered every day for the first 30 days and every other day for the next 30 days as needed, after which you should return to the regular watering schedule. Remember, only new plants and grass may be watered every day.
- If you need to run a test of your irrigation system, you may run the system at any time for 20 minutes per zone.
Please refer to St. Johns River Water Management District Water Restrictions and Water Less Florida for additional information and resources.
With irrigation accounting for more than half of Central Florida’s total water consumption, watering lawns only when permitted is an effective way to reduce water consumption and monthly water costs. Taking advantage of OUC’s rebates also will help customers save water and money. Here are some water-saving rebate offers:
- EPA WaterSense©-labeled smart irrigation controller – 100% of cost of controller and installation, up to $200
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ and low-volume irrigation – 100% of cost, up to $200
- Water cistern – $0.02 per gallon, up to $200
- Smart Water Monitoring Device – 100% of the cost, up to $100
- EPA WaterSense© certified ultra-low flow toilets – 100% of cost, up to $100
Customers are encouraged to request a free energy and water audit and participate in OUC’s Efficiency Delivered® program. Conducted by a Conservation Specialist, this service includes offering recommendations for improving a home’s efficiency. The Efficiency Delivered program can help with making minor plumbing, toilet and irrigation repairs, as well as assist with irrigation controller replacement. For households with annual incomes below $40,000, the program pays 85% of approved upgrades costing up to $2,500. Households with incomes between $40,001 and $60,000 may qualify for 50% cost sharing, while $60,000-plus households are eligible for rebates. Eligible cost-sharing customers can spread their payments, interest free, over 24 months on their OUC bills.