Lee County Utilities Urges Water Conservation

Apr 19, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact:  Patty DiPiero, Lee County Utilities
               239-479-8534

LEE COUNTY UTILITIES URGES WATER CONSERVATION

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 19, 2006) – Due to extremely dry weather, Lee County Utilities is urging everyone to help aid in conserving water.   

During this time of year, between our winter residents and one of the driest years on record, a great demand has been placed on our system and LCU is urging everyone to help lessen that demand by being water conscious.   

Lee County would like to remind residents that a lawn only needs one inch of water per week and should only be watered when absolutely needed. 

Residents within unincorporated Lee County should be following the year round watering restriction ordinance implemented by the Lee County Board of County Commissioners in June 2005.  The restrictions allow watering two times a week, but Lee County is urging everyone to voluntarily reduce watering to one day a week.

The restrictions do not allow any watering on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays or between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.  Even numbered addresses can water on Thursday and/or Sunday.  Odd numbered addresses can water on Wednesday and/or Saturday.  

Sprinklers can be outfitted with rain or moisture sensors to keep irrigation from turning on when your lawn does not need the water.  Sprinklers also should be placed on areas of the lawn so that the system is not watering sidewalks, driveways or streets. 

Other ways people can conserve water include: 

Outside

  • Use mulch to help maintain moisture in the soil.
  • Plant native or drought tolerant grasses, ground covers, trees and shrubs
  • Do not hose down driveways, sidewalks or any other type of pavements.  Use a broom.
  • Use an automatic shut-off nozzle while washing your car.

Inside

  • Run dishwashers only when you have a full load.
  • Use the water control level on your washing machine to match the size load of laundry.  If you don't have a water control level, only run the washing machine when you have a full load.
  • Fix dripping faucets and leaking toilets.
  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving.
  • Use aerators on sinks to cut down on water use by as much as 50 percent.
  • Install low-flow showerheads.

 

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