May 8, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

LEE COUNTY PROPOSES INCREASING ENFORCEMENT OF WATERING RESTRICTIONS 

FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 8, 2006) – Due to extremely dry weather and aquifer levels dropping, Lee County Utilities will be asking the Board of County Commissioners Tuesday for its concurrence in increasing its enforcement of watering restrictions. 

The county typically takes an enforcement approach of education and warnings.  However, recent conditions and the prevalence of obvious violations are warranting a tougher approach that includes written citations to violators that could escalate from $25 for a first offense to $500 for a third violation. 

Under the stepped up enforcement, Lee County Utilities and Lee County Natural Resources will be handing out warnings to first time violators and fines to those who continue to disregard the watering restrictions. 

Residents within unincorporated Lee County should be following the year round watering restriction ordinance implemented by the Board of Lee County Commissioners in June 2005.  The restrictions allow watering TWO times a week.

Even numbered addresses can water on Thursday and/or Sunday from midnight to 9:00 am and 5:00 pm to midnight.

Odd numbered addresses can water on Wednesday and/or Saturday midnight to 9:00 am and 5:00 pm to midnight.

The restrictions do not allow any watering on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. 

No watering is allowed between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. any day of the week. 

To view Lee County's Water Conservation Ordinance, click http://www.lee-county.com/ordinances/PDF/2005/05-10%20Water%20Conservation.pdf.

Ways in which people can conserve water include: 

Outside

To reduce evaporation loss, water lawns during early morning or evening hours when temperatures and wind speed are lowest.

Position sprinklers to water the area intended, not streets, driveways or sidewalks.

Use water-efficient methods of irrigation, such as micro/drip irrigation or soaker hoses.

Check sprinklers and timing devices regularly to make sure they are working properly.

Use an automatic timer or set a kitchen timer to monitor the amount of time the sprinklers are running.

Raise lawn mower blades to at least three inches.  This encourages deeper root growth which holds moisture better.

Do not over fertilize the lawn, it promotes the need for more water.

Sprinklers can be outfitted with rain or moisture sensors to keep irrigation from turning on when your lawn does not need the water. 

Use mulch to help maintain moisture in the soil.

Plant native or drought tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees.

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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