Alachua County - Phase III Extreme Level Drought
Due to continued drought conditions and a forecast that calls for lower than average rainfall in the months ahead, a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage has been declared for Alachua County. Phase III Water Shortage declaration expands voluntary water conservation measures and implements regulatory measures, including:
- Irrigation is limited to 1 day per week and is now prohibited from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Prohibiting Homeowners Associations from requiring increased water use to meet aesthetic standards.
- Non-essential water use is prohibited, this includes aesthetic water features and pressure/soft washing for cosmetic purposes.
- Postpone installation of new landscapes. Establishment irrigation is limited to a more restrictive schedule.
- These restrictions are required by State and local laws and will be in effect until future notice.
Keep Your Lawn Healthy While Conserving Water
During dry months, customers may fall into the trap of overwatering their lawns. To protect the state's limited water resources and prevent excessive irrigation, GRU customers are required to follow the restrictions set by the St. Johns River Water Management District. These mandatory rules will keep customers' yards healthy while helping them save money on their monthly utility bills.
Watering Restrictions
The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (ACEPD) is in charge of enforcing local irrigation restrictions. All rules apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water, and water from public and private utilities.
- Water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.: Up to 65 percent of water applied mid-day evaporates.
- Water for one hour or less per zone, up to 3/4-inch: Set a timer and place shallow cans in your yard to monitor volume.
- Water only on your scheduled day: See table below for more information.
Know Your Watering Day(s)
Each year, Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. the second Sunday in March and ends at 2 a.m. the first Sunday in November. Eastern Standard Time begins at 2 a.m. the first Sunday in November and ends at 2 a.m. the second Sunday in March.
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