Water Conservation
Water Saving Tips
Follow these tips from the St. John County Utility Department and start conserving water both indoors and outdoors today!
Outdoors
Plant and Watering Tips
- Water your plants deeply, but not as frequently to encourage deep root growth.
- Plant in the Fall or Spring.
- Use Florida-friendly plants.
- Fertilize less often due to the increase in water consumption.
- Water either early in the morning or late in the evening.
- Use a hose nozzle.
- Know where your shut-off valve is.
Check Your Irrigation Set Up
- Check your irrigation system for leaks and adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered.
- Have a rain sensor on your irrigation controller so your system won’t run when it’s raining. Watch our Rain Sensors video.
Indoors
Indoor Conservation Tips
- Do not use running water to thaw food.
- Soak your pots and pans rather than letting water run.
- Teach all household residents to turn off taps all the way.
- Check that your toilets are not leaking water. Watch our video on How to Identify a Toilet Leak
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and shaving.
- Consider replacing your outdated water appliances.
- If you drop ice, put the ice cubes in your potted plants instead of in the sink.
Exceptions and Resources
New Landscaping
New landscaping may be watered every day for 30 days after installation. Run only those zones that water the new landscaping. You will be asked to provide proof establishing the start of the 30-day period.
Lawn Care Chemicals, Repairs, and Hoses
- Apply lawn care chemicals (fertilizer, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides) as directed by the manufacturer or following best management practices.
- Repair and/or maintain the irrigation system. Watch our Sprinkler Heads video.
- Watering with a hand-held hose with a shutoff nozzle.
Reclaimed Water
Like other water sources, a limited amount of reclaimed water is available to customers to irrigate lawns and landscapes. Proper use by all reclaimed water customers will help ensure the continued availability of this resource. Visit the St. Johns County Reclaimed Water Page below to learn more.
Citations
St. Johns County may issue a citation for the following:
- Irrigating outside of designated watering days and/or times.
- Leaks in the irrigation system.
- Over-watering that causes significant runoff into adjacent properties or right-of-way.
- Watering after significant rainfall (a functioning rain sensor is required by Florida law).
St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Florida Water Star
Every Drop Counts!
Conserve Water for a Better Tomorrow!