You've been warned: Water district urges fines for violators

The press release below has been provided by the City of Bradenton regarding the water restrictions currently in effect in Bradenton.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Bradenton
March 9, 2009

You've been warned: Water district urges fines for violators

The current drought plaguing the state has prompted the Southwest Florida Water Management District to modify watering times and urge local governments to give violators fines instead of warnings.

While the district is recommending fines as high as $100 for a first-time offender, the City's fines aren't as excessive. First-time offenders are subject to a $24 fine - and repeat violations mean more costly citations.

New rules limit watering either before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. If the lawn is more than two acres, watering is permitted before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.

In most cases, watering of lawns is allowed only on one day. You can determine which day you can water based on your address.

• Address ending in 0 or 1 irrigates Monday, if needed
• Address ending in 2 or 3 irrigates Tuesday, if needed
• Address ending in 4 or 5 irrigates Wednesday, if needed
• Address ending in 6 or 7 irrigates Thursday, if needed
• Address ending in 8 or 9 irrigates Friday, if needed
• Hand watering of lawn - limited to watering day and times
• Hand watering of hot spots - still allowed on other days
• Hand watering, micro irrigation of other plants allowed any day, but limited to before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Here are the exceptions for new or replacement lawns and new plants:
New or Replacement Lawns: Thirty days total, if needed. Water any day during the first 15 days. During the next 15 days, even addresses may water only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; Odd addresses may water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Time of day restrictions apply.

Other New Plant Establishment: Sixty days total, if needed. Water any day during the first 30 days. During the next 30 days, even addresses may water only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; Odd addresses may water only on Wednesday, Friday or Sunday. Time of day restrictions apply.

Restrictions have also been placed on publicly-owned and private decorative fountains and waterfalls, and restaurants have been asked to serve water only at a customer's request.

Tim W. McCann
Public Information Officer
City of Bradenton
101 Old Main St.
941.932.9497 (w)
941.773.6665 (c)
tim.mccann@cityofbradenton.com
www.cityofbradenton.com