Tighter Landscaping Ordinance on the Way in Florida County

Hernando County, Fla. residents are using too much water, and officials hope a tighter landscaping ordinance combined with continued education and enforcement efforts will curb the consumption.

County staff is expected to bring a version of the revised ordinance before the county commission in an upcoming workshop, said Larry Jennings, deputy county administrator.

The ordinance would then be discussed during at least one public hearing in the near future, Jennings said.

The ordinance generally applies to new development, he said.

During a brainstorming session on a variety of issues attended by commissioners and county staff on Friday, commissioner Chris King-sley said that new developments should be required to follow the Florida Yards and Neighbors program. The program features guidelines for landscaping that uses less water and fertilizer.

Kingsley suggested that the county could ban certain “thirsty” grasses and plants that require extensive watering and fertilizers, a big source of pollution.

“We have a large supply of water in the ground, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be there forever,” he said.

Kingsley said the county should forbid new developments from using potable water for irrigation. Irriga-tion is the biggest draw on the water system.

The county already offers education through its Water Awareness Series of classes and seminars.

Commissioner Diane Rowden said more should be done to educate residents about the current restrictions and water-conservation tips. She suggested the county approach grocery stores to help disseminate information.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District, or Swiftmud, mandated once-a-week watering rest-rictions that took effect this week.

“I do think we’re going to have to do some good, old-fashioned enforcement,” said county administrator Gary Kuhl.

County code enforcement director Frank McDowell asked the commission to stick with whatever revised landscape ordinance is adopted. The ordinance has been changed every two to three years, making enforcement difficult, McDowell said.

In November, the South-west Florida Water Mana-gement District told the county that it was pumping more water than allowed under its current permits for the West Hernando and Spring Hill water systems.

The county currently uses roughly 190 gallons per person each day. The current Swiftmud permit allows for around 160 gallons per person.

The county is in the process of combining the two systems under one permit and asking for a maximum of 36.6 million gallons per day, or 167 gallons per person.

Swiftmud is reviewing that application.