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April 11, 2008
Mandatory
Water Restrictions to be Modified
Mandatory water restrictions have
been in effect in South Florida since March 22, 2007 and the
current Phase III Water Restrictions have been in effect since
January 15, 2008. In response to improved regional water
resource conditions, the South Florida Water Management District
(SFWMD) has modified emergency water restrictions across most of
Palm Beach County to up to two-day-a-week watering.
Effective April 18 a “Modified Phase
II Severe Water Shortage Order” will be in effect for
Wellington, instituting an up to two-day-a-week watering
schedule for residential landscape irrigation with two “watering
windows”. It is important to note that emergency restrictions
are not being lifted. The decision was made by SFWMD to modify
the restrictions based on the improved conditions of our water
resources.
Phase II is classified as a severe
water shortage declaration. Water-use restrictions DO NOT apply
to the use of 100% reclaimed water but users are encouraged to
conserve water voluntarily. Water use restrictions DO apply to
water from ALL OTHER SOURCES: public utilities; private wells;
and all surface waters such as canals, lakes, ponds and rivers.
All water needs to be conserved no matter the source.
Highlights of the Modified Phase II water shortage order
include:
·
Odd street
addresses may irrigate lawns and landscapes on
Wednesdays and Saturdays
from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or 4 p.m. to
11:59 p.m.
·
Even
street addresses may irrigate lawns and landscapes on
Thursdays and Sundays from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m.
and/or 4 p.m. to 11:59
p.m.
·
The SFWMD recommends
the efficient use of water, which includes placing a maximum of
about three-quarters of an inch to an inch of water once per
week on lawns and accomplishing irrigation during the early
morning hours when temperatures and wind speed are the lowest to
reduce evaporation losses.
·
Hand-watering with one
hose fitted with an automatic shut-off nozzle is allowed for 10
minutes per day for landscape stress relief and to prevent plant
die-off.
·
Low-volume irrigation,
including the use of drip and microjet systems that apply water
directly to plant root zones, is not restricted but should be
voluntarily reduced.
·
Additional watering
days and times are allocated for the establishment of new lawns
and landscapes.
·
No restrictions apply
to other outside water uses, such as for car and boat washing,
pressure cleaning of paved surfaces, decorative fountains and
water-based recreation (e.g. swimming pools, water slides).
·
Golf courses must
reduce their allocated water use by 30 percent.
Please be advised that once again,
all Village residents will be able to make use of the Village’s
Irrigation Inspection Program. This program has been made
available to residents until May 18 The program is designed for
all Village of Wellington residents and Utility Customers who
have automatic sprinkler systems to make a request for an
Irrigation Technician to review the resident’s current
irrigation system settings and show the resident how to adjust,
if needed, to comply with the current water restrictions.
Please call 561-791-4003 between the hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
to schedule an appointment. Please make use of this valuable
service. For all other matters regarding water restrictions
and enforcement please call the Code Compliance Hotline on
753-2560.
Enforcement of the new Modified
Phase II Restrictions will commence on May 1, 2008. Village of
Wellington Code Compliance Officers regularly work nights and
weekends and will continue to enforce water restrictions. Fines
for violations of mandatory water restrictions are based on the
adopted fee schedule in the Village Code of Ordinances. Fines
for violations in the Village of Wellington are $75.00 for the
first offense and $250.00 for repeat violations.
For additional information refer to
the Village’s website at
www.ci.wellington.fl.us or Channel 18 For full details of
specific restrictions or water conservation tips, please visit
the SFWMD website:
www.sfwmd.gov.
Mayor Darell Bowen, Vice Mayor Dr
Carmine Priore along with Council Members Lizbeth Benacquisto,
Bob Margolis and Matt Willhite are pleased to bring exciting and
innovative programs to the Village, always looking for ways to
improve services for all its residents. For information on
other Village programs, events, and activities, please visit the
website at
www.ci.wellington.fl.us or watch Channel 18 for the latest
Village happenings.
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