It wasn’t until last Sunday afternoon that I noticed the discrepancy between the clock on my stove and the time on my cellphone. At first there was a sense of panic and then relief as I realized I had gained an hour. Setting back the clocks also is a friendly reminder that it is time to also “fall back” on your watering and irrigation. 

As of Nov. 5, irrigation is limited to once a week in Alachua County. This may seem counterintuitive as we head into the dryer months of winter, but as the weather gets cooler, most plants slow down — some even go dormant — and do not need to be watered as much, if at all. This means that, for a significant part of the year, most yards can go without watering, and by turning off irrigation systems during these seasons, residents not only save water but also can reduce their water bill.

Water conservation is not only about protecting the environment but also ensuring water resources for future generations. With the increasing demands on water resources, responsible management is essential. Did you know that landscape irrigation can account for almost 60% of residential water use? By reducing unnecessary watering, residents can actively contribute to conserving our area’s precious groundwater supply, which also serves as a vital source of water for springs, lakes and rivers.

Some other important things to know about Alachua County’s irrigation restrictions are:

• The one day per week you can water is decided by your house number. Odd house numbers can water on Saturdays and even house numbers on Sundays. Nonresidential or commercial properties — including common areas in subdivisions — water on Tuesday.
• Water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. (this is to limit loss of water to evaporation).
• All properties with in-ground irrigation must have a functioning rainfall shutoff device. This is so you’re not watering when it’s raining or just rained.
• Irrigation restrictions do apply to various water sources, including private wells, city water and surface water, but they don’t apply to the watering of vegetable gardens and fruit trees, allowing you to keep that beautiful cold-season garden.

To conserve even more water, consider turning your irrigation controller off and only running manually when plants show signs of stress, i.e., folded leaf blades, wilting or footprints still being visible on grass.

So, now that you’ve turned back all of your clocks, also look at your irrigation timer and turn it back to once per week or all the way off. By being mindful of your watering practices, you can play a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of our water resources, which are essential for both the environment and our community.

To learn more about water conservation and how to manage your Florida garden or landscape, reach out to UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County’s office to speak with a Master Gardener Volunteer at 955-2402 or [email protected]. 

— Dr. Cynthia Nazario-Leary is the Environmental and Community Horticulture Extension Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County. Contact her at [email protected] or 955-2402.