DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – The St. Johns River Water Management District is reminding residents and businesses across the Lower St. Johns River basin that watering restrictions will change to once per week on Nov. 2.
The district includes Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, Putnam and Flagler counties, as well as parts of Volusia, Alachua and Bradford counties.
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With cooler weather and shorter days, landscapes naturally require less water. Cutting back irrigation helps conserve groundwater that supplies homes and bodies of water.
“Conserving water is one of the most direct ways we can protect our aquifers, springs and water supplies in North Florida,” St. Johns River Water Management District Water Conservation Coordinator Kraig McLane said. “By following seasonal watering restrictions, we help preserve these vital resources for both people and the environment.”
The once-a-week watering schedule, effective Nov. 2 through March 8, 2026, is:
- Homes with odd-numbered or no addresses: Saturday
- Homes with even-numbered addresses: Sunday
- Nonresidential properties: Tuesday
Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reduce evaporation and limited to one hour per zone. The restrictions apply to all water sources, including wells, surface water and utilities.
Many warm-weather grasses, such as St. Augustine and Bahia, go dormant during winter months. Dormancy means the grass is resting, not dead. Overwatering during this time can waste water and cause root rot, mold or other lawn health issues.
Additional conservation tips include calibrating irrigation timers, inspecting sprinkler systems for leaks, using rain sensors or smart controllers, and replacing high-volume spray heads with efficient rotary nozzles.
Small changes in irrigation habits help protect Florida’s water resources, preserving springs, rivers and aquifers that sustain communities and the environment.
Click here for more water conservation information.