Watering Restrictions

Mandatory lawn watering restrictions specify the days when you may water. These days depend on whether you have an odd- or even-numbered address, and the time of year. Per County ordinance, the following restrictions apply to landscape irrigation regardless of whether the water comes from groundwater or surface water, from a private well or pump, or from a public or private utility:

• Outdoor irrigation is limited to one day a week during Eastern Standard Time (from the first Sunday in November until the second Sunday in March) and two days a week during Daylight Saving Time (from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November).
• Water only if necessary and not between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
• Water for no more than one hour per zone.

First time violators will receive a warning through a door hanger notice and by letter.

Repeat violators will be subject to a fine of $25 per violation. A violator can appeal to a Hearing Officer after a written request is submitted and a $25 filing fee is made. Failure to pay the fine or to contest the violation within 30 days will be considered an admission of liability and fines may be collected by any available legal means, including adding the fine to the water bill of the account holder. If you have questions regarding the mandatory watering restrictions, or need assistance resetting your irrigation controller, call the Water Division at (407) 254-9850.

Per County ordinance:

• Residents are allowed to water new sod or landscaping on any day at any time for the initial 30 days after installation, and then every other day for the next 30 days.
• Watering is limited to the amount necessary for the sod or landscape to become established.
• This exception applies only on those specific areas where the new sod/landscaping is located.
• Residents must provide Orange County Utilities with their name, phone number, address, and any receipts for sod and/or landscape purchases to avoid getting a watering violation during sod/landscape establishment.
• Although exempt from watering restrictions during this time, residents are not exempt from the applicable water rates.  Please keep in mind that an increase in watering will result in higher water bills, which could be hundreds of dollars more than usual. Please note, however, that effective May 8, 2012, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution No. 2012-M-11 titled, “Billing Adjustments For Excessive Water Consumption.” It states in part that all customers with 5/8 x 3/4 inch meters and all residential customers regardless of meter size who experience unusually high water usage with a corresponding spike in their monthly water bill may be considered for a billing adjustment. To request a billing adjustment after replacing your sod or landscaping, please complete the Residential Lawn Replacement Adjustment Request Form and submit it (along with requested documentation) to Orange County Utilities within 60 days of the date of the unusually high consumption. Orange County Utilities staff will investigate and verify the information submitted.

Water Watch
Orange County Utilities
9150 Curry Ford Road, 3rd Floor
Orlando, FL 32825

Email: Water.Division@ocfl.net
Phone: (407) 254-9850
Fax: (407) 254-9848

All e-mail sent to this address becomes part of Orange County public record. Comments received by our e-mail subsystem can be read by anyone who requests that privilege. In compliance with "Government in the Sunshine" laws, Orange County Government must make available, at request, any and all information not deemed a threat to the security of law enforcement agencies and personnel.