Michael Emilio

From Miami-Dade.gov:

In Florida, rainfall supplies most of the water we use for drinking, bathing, cooking and performing all sorts of activities. There are seasonal and geographic variations in rainfall, and sometimes these variations lead to water shortages.

Each of us uses an average of 158 gallons of water each day, half of which is utilized outside the home, often wastefully, by over-watering lawns and gardens. Ironically, the demand for water tends to be highest during the cooler months of the 7-month dry season (November - May) when rainfall is most scarce.

Rainfall levels for 2006 and 2007 have been far below normal. Water levels in Lake Okeechobee — as well as in other areas where our rainfall is stored — have been falling to record lows. The result: water shortages have already been declared throughout the region.

Because of these shortages, the South Florida Water Management District has imposed Water Restrictions to ensure that we begin to utilize this precious natural resource more efficiently during this dry period.

Important Points:

* The last time mandatory restrictions were imposed was in 2001.

* The South Florida Water Management District issued Phase I Water Restrictions March 15, 2007. These restrictions will begin to be enforced Thursday, March 22, 2007.

* Residents with odd numbered addresses will be restricted to watering on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 4 am to 8 am. Hand watering is allowed from 5 pm to 7 pm.

* Residents with even numbered addresses can water their lawns on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 4 am to 8 am. Hand watering is allowed from 5 pm to 7 pm.

* Solid Waste, Team Metro and DERM will be enforcing these restrictions and issuing warnings and fines.

* As a utility, WASD will be asked to reduce water pressure throughout its system, but not to unsafe levels.

* As for carwashes, licensed establishments are exempt from the restrictions since they recycle the water they use. Unlicensed establishments must use a nozzle for their hoses, must make sure the used water runs off into a grassy area and ARE subject to the restrictions noted above. Mobile car washes must use a pressure cleaner.

* Miami-Dade businesses such as nurseries, farms and other agricultural areas will reduce their water usage by 30%. The restrictions will reduce residential usage by 15%.

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