The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board Tuesday approved an agreement between the District and the St. Johns River Water Management District that will provide uniform lawn and landscape irrigation measures throughout unincorporated Marion County. The measures address both drought and normal conditions.
Marion County is divided between the two water management districts, with the boundary roughly being Interstate 75. The two agencies currently have separate rules governing lawn and landscape irrigation. Although similar in intent, certain details differ. As a result, some residents are confused over which water restrictions to follow.
Staff from both water management districts worked together to develop the new uniform lawn and landscape irrigation measures.
Under the interagency agreement, all of unincorporated Marion County will follow the year round conservation measures adopted by the St. Johns River Water Management District when there is not a drought. However, during a drought the county will follow water shortage measures declared by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District is currently under a water shortage order, which calls for one-day-per-week watering restrictions.
“This agreement is a great example of how government should work together to meet a common goal,” said David Moore, Southwest Florida Water Management District executive director. “This cooperative effort can be viewed as a model for all five of the state’s water management districts to address similar situations throughout the state.”
The agreement’s initial term is for one year. During that time, the two Districts plan to enter rulemaking to refine their year-round lawn and landscape irrigation measures so that any remaining inconsistencies between the two Districts can be eliminated.
The future of Floridas water supply is an issue that reaches beyond city, county and regional boundaries, said Kirby Green, executive director of the St. Johns River Water Management District. Water conservation is a vital component of protecting our water resources. By working together with the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Marion County, we have been able to have one county-wide ordinance established in Marion County that fits into the framework of the water conservation rules and plans for both water management districts and ensures efficient lawn and landscape irrigation.
The agreement has also heightened interest among the five agencies in revising their state-mandated Water Shortage Plans so that future droughts can be managed with more consistency.
For additional information on the drought, water restrictions or water conservation tips, visit the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s web site at WaterMatters.org/drought/.