The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board voted on June 29, 2010 to return to the District’s twice-per-week, year-round water conservation measures starting July 1. The Governing Board voted to lift the restrictions in response to significant improvements in aquifer and river levels as a result of this winter’s above-average rainfall. Moreover, the region’s major public water suppliers have been able to capture and store large supplies of water to meet the needs of residents. However, the Board urged residents to continue the water conservation practices they’ve learned over the past three years.

On January 16, 2007, the Lake Wales City Commission declared a Severe Water Shortage and imposed water restriction enforcement as dictated by City Ordinance 96-06 and the City's Water Conservation Plan. The restrictions apply to the use of water from all wells or surface water, public or private. The order went into effect on January 16, 2007 and will remain in effect until June 30, 2010. Following the lead of SWFWMD, the City will return to the twice-per-week, year-round water conservation measures starting July 1.

LAWN WATERING RESTRICTIONS

• Lawn Watering Schedule and Times
• Lawn watering is limited to twice per week.
• Even addresses may water on Thursday and/or Sunday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
• Odd addresses may water on Wednesday and/or Saturday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
• Landscape Watering Schedule and Times
• Hand watering and micro-irrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done on any day and at any time.
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• New Lawns and Plants
• New lawns and plants have a 30-30 establishment period, which allows any-day watering during the first 30 days.
• During the second 30 days, watering is allowed three days per week: even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday; odd-numbered addresses may water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
• Reclaimed Water
• Reclaimed water remains subject to voluntary watering hours, unless blended with another water source or restricted by the local government or utility.
• Fountain Operation, Car Washing and Pressure Washing
• There are no restrictions on fountains, car washing and pressure washing.
• However, the District asks that residents be as efficient as possible, such as using a shut-off nozzle on their hose, so water isn’t wasted.

ENFORCEMENT

City police and code enforcement officers will enforce the provisions of Ordinance 96-06, Water Shortage Emergency, within the municipal limits by issuing local citations and collecting fines in the same manner as local traffic infractions are enforced. The Polk County Sheriff's Office will enforce the provisions of the ordinance within those areas of the city's utility service area that lie outside the municipal limits. A violation of the ordinance is a civil infraction and violators will be subject to the following penalties:

First Violation - $25.00
Second and Subsequent Violations - Not to exceed $500 per offense

Court Costs may be imposed as provided by law. Each day the violation continues shall be considered a separate violation.

To obtain more complete details or to ask questions, visit the District's website at www.WaterMatters.org or call 1-800-423-1476 extension 4498 during normal business hours.

Lake Wales water customers may also contact the City of Lake Wales Customer Service office at 678-4196 for more information.