New Emergency Water Restrictions for Punta Gorda

As we step into the heart of the dry season here in Southwest Florida, many homeowners and businesses face the challenge of maintaining lush, healthy landscapes while conserving water. The winter and spring months bring cooler temperatures and significantly less rainfall, making it crucial to ensure your irrigation system is functioning efficiently. Why Dry Season Preparation Matters Southwest Florida typically receives less than 2 inches of rain per month during the dry season, compared to the abundant showers of the summer months. This puts your lawn, garden, and plants at risk of drying out, especially under the strong Florida sun. An inefficient irrigation system can lead to overwatering, under-watering, or wasted water—all of which can harm your landscape and increase your water bill. Here are some tips for a Healthy Landscape During the Dry Season Inspect Your System for Leaks and Damage: Regular inspections can prevent water waste and ensure every sprinkler head and drip line is operating properly. Look for broken heads, clogged nozzles, or leaks that could go unnoticed. Adjust Your Watering Schedule: Watering during the early morning hours (before 10 a.m.) minimizes evaporation and allows water to soak deep into the soil. Adjust your schedule to comply with local water restrictions and seasonal needs. Upgrade to Smart Technology: Smart controllers and rain sensors can make a big difference in efficiency. These systems monitor weather conditions and automatically adjust watering times to avoid overwatering on rainy days or underwatering during hotter periods. Add Mulch to Conserve Moisture Mulch is your landscape’s best friend during the dry season. A thick layer of mulch around plants and trees helps retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Perform a Dry Season Check-Up Now is the perfect time to schedule a professional irrigation inspection. Our team can ensure your system is calibrated for efficiency, repair any damages, and set you up for success during the driest months of the year. Local Water Restrictions Reminder With water conservation being a key concern during the dry season, it’s important to follow local watering restrictions set by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). These restrictions vary depending on your location, so be sure to stay updated to avoid fines. Let Us Help You Keep Your Lawn Thriving At American Irrigation, we specialize in keeping Southwest Florida landscapes healthy and vibrant year-round. Whether you need a system upgrade, a seasonal tune-up, or a full inspection, our team is here to help. Contact American Irrigation today to schedule your dry season irrigation check-up and ensure your lawn stays green and beautiful, no matter the weather! 941-587-2027 or (407) 910-2111

On a recent service call in Venice we came across a CUSTOMER that was having issues with the water consumption of their irrigation system. After a full evaluation of the sprinkler system we determined that they were using 6,321 gallons of water per cycle (25,284 gal. per month). By changing some nozzles and relocating a few sprinkler heads we were able save 2,085 gallons per cycle (8,340 gal. per month). That’s a 33% savings in water which equals a 33% reduction to the water bill! The CUSTOMER also chose to go with a “smart timer” that automatically adjusts run times based on local weather. With this addition, the CUSTOMER should see an additional 15-30% savings in water. If these kinds of savings interest you, please call 941.587.2027 to set up an evaluation of your irrigation system. We are here to help!

With Fall upon us and cooler weather on the way, it is time to consider the amount of water that you are using for your landscape. It is common practice to water more frequently during the winter months because it is drier; however, plant water requirements are actually lower during the cooler months of the year because many plants in Florida go dormant and do not require as much water. Many sprinkler timers have a water budget/water percentage feature, which allows you to adjust the amount of water being used. This will avoid overwatering which will help save you water and money. Typically, the plant water requirements are 50-75% of the Summer water settings. Another way to help conserve water is by installing a rain sensor, or by verifying that your existing rain sensor is working correctly.