{"id":88832,"date":"2025-12-19T03:17:10","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T03:17:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/88832\/"},"modified":"2025-12-19T03:17:10","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T03:17:10","slug":"water-conservation-cape-coral-fl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/88832\/","title":{"rendered":"Water Conservation | Cape Coral, FL"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Water<\/a><\/p>\n

The\u00a0South Florida Water Management District\u00a0has declared a\u00a0severe water shortage in the portion of NE Cape Coral, as shown on the map below, and lawn irrigation is banned in the affected area.<\/p>\n

Not sure if you’re in an area under water restrictions? Click here to see the map of affected areas<\/a><\/p>\n

Find Information on:<\/p>\n

Latest Updates on Irrigation Restriction:<\/p>\n

\n\"Phase<\/a>SFWMD Bans Lawn Irrigation for Private Well Users in NE Cape Coral<\/p>\n

On May 2, 2025, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) implemented a Modified Phase IV Water Shortage Order<\/a> for a portion of Cape Coral and unincorporated Lee County, banning landscape irrigation in the designated area<\/a> for irrigation water supplied by private wells. This action is being taken to protect the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer and ensure water conservation for essential needs.<\/p>\n

Water restrictions that are effective immediately include:<\/p>\n

Lawn Irrigation Ban:\u00a0All residents and businesses using private wells connected to the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer must cease use of their automatic or potable sprinkler systems for lawns and landscaping. The only acceptable irrigation methods are drip irrigation and hand watering.
\nCity Water Not Affected: This restriction applies to all homes and businesses that receive their irrigation water from a well, as opposed to city water systems, as municipal water is drawn from different sources.
\nHand Watering: Hand watering is permitted on Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday, but only with a hose equipped with a self-canceling nozzle.
\nNew Wells and Water Sources:\u00a0Construction of new Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer wells within the water shortage area is now limited to potable (drinking water) use only. New users seeking irrigation water must use a water source other than the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer.<\/p>\n

\"NE<\/a><\/p>\n

Northeast Cape Coral – Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer, Water Shortage Order & Joint Action Plan<\/a><\/p>\n

Watering Schedule<\/p>\n

Mandatory 0-Day Watering Schedule for The Above Affected Area During the Emergency Water Shortage in Northeastern Cape Coral<\/p>\n

Residents and businesses are no longer allowed to use their lawn irrigation systems if they use water from the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer. Hand watering using a self-cancelling nozzle and drip irrigation is allowed three times per week on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays for users withdrawing groundwater from the Mid-Hawthorn Aquifer.
\nLandscape irrigation for public recreation areas (sport fields) is restricted to one day per week from 4:00 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. for all types of irrigation and from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. for low volume hand watering.<\/p>\n

Low volume watering of pervious, non-vegetated public recreational\/sporting surfaces is restricted to ten minutes of application prior to each recreational\/sporting event.<\/p>\n

Year-Round Cape Coral Watering Schedule*<\/p>\n

*Unless Restriction is in Place. See Map Above To Check if You are Within the Restricted Area.<\/p>\n

For addresses ending in 0:
Monday and Thursday, 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.<\/p>\n

For addresses ending in 1:
Monday and Thursday, midnight to 4 a.m.<\/p>\n

For addresses ending in 2:
Monday and Thursday, 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.<\/p>\n

For addresses ending in 3:
Tuesday and Friday, 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.<\/p>\n

For addresses ending in 4:
Tuesday and Friday, midnight to 4 a.m.<\/p>\n

For addresses ending in 5:
Tuesday and Friday, 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.<\/p>\n

For addresses ending in 6:
Wednesday and Saturday, 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.<\/p>\n

For addresses ending in 7:
Wednesday and Saturday, midnight to 4 a.m.<\/p>\n

For addresses ending in 8:
Wednesday and Saturday, 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.<\/p>\n

For addresses ending in 9:
Thursday and Sunday, 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.<\/p>\n

Business (Commercial Properties), Duplexes, and Multi-Family Units:<\/p>\n

For properties or developments up to and including five acres in size that irrigate multiple properties including duplexes, multi-family units, compound use and mixed-use units water on:<\/p>\n

Thursday and Sunday from 12:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.<\/p>\n

For properties or developments more than five acres in size that irrigate multiple properties, including multi-family units, compound use and mixed use units, water on:<\/p>\n

Mondays and Fridays from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.<\/p>\n

New Lawns \/ Landscaping:<\/p>\n

Watering new lawns and landscaping is allowed during a 30-day establishment period on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
\nIrrigation of new landscaping that has been in place for 31 to 90 days shall be allowed on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.<\/p>\n

Multi-Family \/ Commercial Watering:<\/p>\n

Businesses, properties, or developments up to and including five acres in size, including duplexes and multi-family units, may water on Thursday and Sunday from midnight to 4:00 a.m.
\nFor properties more than five acres in size, including multi-family, compound, and mixed-use units, the watering schedule is Mondays and Fridays from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m.
\nBusinesses with watering times between 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. may water between midnight and 4:00 a.m. so as not to interfere with normal business operations.<\/p>\n

\nHow You Can Conserve Water<\/p>\n

Bathrooms<\/p>\n

Never use your toilet as a wastebasket and never flush wipes; properly dispose of wipes in the trash.
\nDo not let the water run while shaving or brushing your teeth.
\nTake short showers instead of tub baths. Turn off the water flow while soaping or shampooing.
\nIf you must use a tub, close the drain before turning on the water and fill the tub only half full. Bathe small children together.
\nNever pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it \u2014 such as watering a plant or garden.<\/p>\n

Kitchen & Laundry<\/p>\n

Keep drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.
\nWash fruits and vegetables in a basin. Use a vegetable brush.
\nDo not use water to defrost frozen foods. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
\nUse a dishpan for washing and rinsing dishes.
\nScrape, rather than rinse, dishes before loading into the dishwasher.
\nAdd food waste to your compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal.
\nOperate the dishwasher only when completely full.
\nUse the washing machine\u2019s appropriate water level or load size selection.<\/p>\n

Equipment<\/p>\n

Fix leaks: A leaky toilet wastes up to 20 gallons\/day. Test for leaks with food coloring in the tank (color in bowl = leak). Repair tips: toiletology.com
\nUpgrade toilets: Install ultra-low-flow models or place a weighted container in the tank (ensure it doesn\u2019t block flushing).
\nSave water: Use low-flow aerators\/showerheads and high-efficiency washing machines to cut water and energy use by 50%.
\nRun full loads: Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full; avoid use during heavy rain.
\nCompost scraps: Minimize garbage disposal use to save water and reduce septic issues. Compost instead to enrich garden soil.<\/p>\n

Outside<\/p>\n

Sweep driveways, sidewalks, and steps rather than hosing off.
\nWash the car with water from a bucket, or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
\nWhen using a hose, control the flow with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
\nAvoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.
\nIf you have a swimming pool, consider a new water-saving pool filter.
\nLower pool water level to reduce the amount of water splashed out.
\nUse a pool cover to reduce evaporation when the pool is not being used.<\/p>\n

Water Efficiency Measures for Landscaping<\/p>\n

Watering<\/p>\n

Follow the City\u2019s year-round irrigation schedule.
\nSet sprinklers to water the lawn or garden only \u2013 not the street or sidewalk.
\nInstall moisture sensors on sprinkler systems.
\nUse soaker hoses and trickle irrigation systems.
\nDo not water on windy days or in rainy weather.
\nDetect and repair all leaks in irrigation systems, and check hoses and sprinkler connections for leaks \u2013 a drop wasted each second can add up to a few gallons daily.
\nIrrigate your lawn with reclaimed water where available.
\nHarvest rain to water flower beds, herb gardens, and potted plants. Rain is free and beneficial for plants because rain does not contain hard minerals. Rain barrels are a good option in Cape Coral.<\/p>\n

Maintaining<\/p>\n

Remove thatch and aerate turf to encourage water movement to the root zone.
\nUse mulch around shrubs and garden plants to reduce evaporation from the soil surface and cut down on weed growth. Mulching reduces water needed in a garden by as much as 50 percent. It also has the benefit of preventing weed growth, deterring pests, stabilizing soil temperature, and, as it decomposes, providing nutrients to the soil.
\nTrees and shrubs, which have deep root systems, should be watered longer and less frequently than shallow-rooted plants, which require smaller amounts of water more often. Check with the local extension service for advice on the amount and frequency of watering needed in your area.
\nRaise your lawn mower cutting height \u2013 longer grass blades help shade each other, reduce evaporation, and inhibit weed growth.
\nMinimize or eliminate fertilizing, which requires additional watering, and promote new growth, which will also need additional watering.<\/p>\n

Planting<\/p>\n

Have your soil tested for nutrient content and add organic matter if needed. Good soil absorbs and retains water better.
\nMinimize turf areas and use native grasses.
\nUse native plants in your landscape that are adapted to the area and need less water. They require less care and water than ornamental varieties. On slopes, native plants will retain water and help reduce runoff.<\/p>\n

Ornamental Water Features<\/p>\n

Do not install or use ornamental water features unless they recycle the water. Use signs to indicate that water is recycled. Do not operate during a drought.<\/p>\n

Commercial Irrigation\n<\/p>\n

Do you own or manage a commercial building? One of the main benefits of water conservation can be reduced operational costs. Here are some recommendations for making sure that you are using water in the most efficient way.<\/p>\n

General Water Saving Tips:<\/p>\n

Perform a facility audit to identify where and how water is being used and could be saved.
\nEstablish specific water-saving goals and create a plan that includes the measures to be implemented in order to achieve those goals.
\nReplace older water-using devices (e.g., faucets, showerheads, toilets) with more efficient ones.
\nPromote water saving by educating staff on best management practices.
\nMake sure all hoses have automatic shut-off nozzles.
\nInstall rainwater harvesting systems.
\nInstall submeters and flowmeters to monitor specific water uses (e.g., cooling towers, irrigation) and identify water-saving opportunities.
\nRegularly check cooling systems and water-using devices for leaks.
\nDevelop a leak detection program and post signs on how to report leaks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The\u00a0South Florida Water Management District\u00a0has declared a\u00a0severe water shortage in the portion of NE Cape Coral, as shown…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":88149,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[209,211,210],"class_list":{"0":"post-88832","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cape-coral","8":"tag-cape-coral","9":"tag-cape-coral-headlines","10":"tag-cape-coral-news"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88832","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=88832"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/88832\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88149"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88832"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=88832"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88832"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}