The Summer of 2023 was extremely dry and despite active enforcement of the Lawn and Landscaping Watering Policy our water usage was at an all time high. This raises the question: why didn’t enforcement lead to reduced water consumption? While some residents adhered diligently to the policy, others simply adjusted their watering schedules to evade enforcement, opting to water overnight when enforcement was difficult.
However, the District did learn a something during the Summer of 2023, our increased expenditures on infrastructure repairs and strict adherence to a preventive maintenance schedule has our water system performing better than it has in years and we were easily able to handle the increased water use.
Updates to Water Conservation Policy
The District’s Water Conservation Policy has been updated to define four stages.
- Stage 1 – Normal: Residents are asked to voluntarily follow the District’s watering guidelines. There is no fines, warnings, etc.
- Stage 2 – Water System Under Stress: Residents are required to follow mandatory watering restrictions. Stage 2 will be implemented if the District’s Water System Operator determines the system is under stress and water usage must be curtailed to help prevent a system failure. Residents will be notified at least 2 weeks in advance if the District needs move to Stage 2 of the Water Conservation Policy.
- Stage 3 – Water Emergency: Watering is limited to 2 days per week. Stage 3 will be implemented if the District’s Water System Operator determines that severe drought or equipment failure will curtail the amount of water available.
- Stage 4 – Water System Failure: The priority is public safety and health. No outside use of water is permitted. If necessary, all water use will be suspended.
Please refer to the to the Water and Sanitary Sever System Rules and Regulations to view full details the Districts Water Conservation Plan stages.
What does this mean for me?
As of April 2024, the District is in Stage 1, Normal. Residents without a smart sprinkler controller are asked to voluntarily follow the Stage 1 watering schedule outlined below. Residents with smart sprinkler controllers should let their controller control the watering. Smart controllers will only water when needed.
Stage 1 – Normal – Watering Schedule
- Monday – no watering
- Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday – Even numbered addresses
- Wednesday, Friday and Sunday – Odd numbered addresses
What is a smart sprinkler controller and why should I upgrade?
A smart sprinkler controller will determine optimal watering times and durations depending on multiple factors. Those factors will vary depending on the model purchased but they usually include soil type, temperature, wind, rainfall and time of year. There are various models of smart controllers on the market and some are very affordable, usually provide instructions that make it easy for homeowner installation and will usually pay for themselves in a single season. Plus, almost all of them can be controlled via web site or smart phone app.
Please email water@buccaneerbay-ne.org with any questions.