Water Managers in South Florida Back Permanent Weekly Limit

Most South Florida residents would be permanently prevented from sprinkling their lawns more than two days a week under a plan that water managers recently endorsed.

Those who draw their water from conservation-friendly alternative sources - such as the deep Floridan Aquifer, whose water must be desalinated - would be allowed to water three days a week.

People irrigating with recycled wastewater from sewage treatment plants might get six or seven days.

The South Florida Water Management District's board favored the two-day-a-week limit for residents who get their water from public utilities, despite concerns from government leaders who fear it will force them to increase water rates. Government leaders have pushed for a three-day-a-week restriction.

"We are talking about water that is required to live," said board member Melissa Meeker, an environmental consultant from Stuart. "This is a critical issue. We are all sensitive to the amount of money it costs."

Water managers are expected to make a final decision on the year-round restrictions next month. Two public hearings on the plan will be held this month.

If approved, the rules would likely take effect in the fall.

The district originally proposed that those using 100 percent recycled wastewater for irrigation be allowed to use it every day except Friday, when everyone is banned.

But board members said they were leaning toward a rule that would allow those who use recycled water to sprinkle every day. They would be prohibited from watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when evaporation is greatest.

The board has yet to decide whether those who use a combination of recycled and drinkable water for irrigation should be allowed to water seven days a week.

Utility managers have argued they would be forced to discard any recycled water that isn't used, either by dumping it out to sea or by injecting it into deep underground.