Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department is suggesting that residents who irrigate their lawns “Skip a Week” or more of watering during the cooler months of January and February. Decreasing irrigation will help conserve drinking water supplies and help restore flow to springs.

According to research by the University of Florida, grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during the cooler months. One-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days is sufficient. In fact, if a lawn has received any significant rainfall, then irrigation systems can be turned off and operated manually as needed.

“Overwatering can encourage pests and disease in your lawn.” said Stacie Greco, Water Conservation Coordinator. “Too much irrigation can also make lawns less able to survive droughts. Skipping a week of watering is as easy as ‘off’ for residents with irrigation timers. Turn the timer to ‘off’ for the week that you want to skip, and ‘on’ for the week that you want to water.”

Residents can determine when grass needs water when:

• Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of yard.
• Grass blades appear blue-gray.
• Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.

For more information, visit the County’s Water Resources website or contact Stacie Greco at 352-264-6829 or sgreco@alachuacounty.us.