FORT MYERS – As seasonally dry conditions continue in Lee County, residents and visitors are urged to conserve water where they can and to limit lawn irrigation in accordance with the Lee County year-round water conservation ordinance. The ordinance must be followed, regardless of the water source for homes or businesses.

Conserving now, during the dry season, will help protect declining groundwater levels throughout the county.

Groundwater conditions should improve with the onset of the wet season, which normally commences in June. However, dry winter conditions exist. Rainfall is 1.75 inches behind the seasonal average and drinking water aquifers are below year-ago levels. These conditions are combined with additional demand from increased population because of recovery workers and seasonal residents. This has led to shortterm stress on water resources. Reducing usage now is vital to protecting the resource, especially for those with home wells.

All residents are urged to abide by local ordinances that restrict lawn irrigation. Lawn irrigation can account for 50 percent of household use. While the Lee County ordinance applies to those in unincorporated Lee County, a comprehensive list of local rules can be found at www.sfwmd.gov/mywateringdays.

All local ordinances have provisions for enforcement of ordinance violations, which vary by community. People in unincorporated Lee County who irrigate outside the permissible days and hours can receive a warning on a first offense and fines following a warning.

Lee County is coordinating with the regional water resource authority, the South Florida Water Management District, to monitor conditions. In the event that a water shortage is declared for Lee County or other areas in Southwest Florida, the South Florida Water Management District will provide notice of any associated mandatory water use restrictions.

The South Florida Water Management District also provides information on how residents, businesses and other water users can implement some easy steps to conserve water. Click here for 50 Ways to be Water Smart.