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1. What is a rain sensor?

Florida law requires that all automatic outdoor irrigation systems installed after 1991 be equipped with a rain sensor. A rain sensor prevents an irrigation system from working during a rainfall and during the period immediately after a rainfall.

2. Why should I use mulch?

Mulch is great to use in planting beds because it helps to retain moisture. Some natural mulches also provide nutrients for your soil. Mulch is also a great alternative to bare sand or even grass in some areas because it can help prevent erosion and does not require constant maintenance.

3. How often should I water my lawn?

You should only water your lawn when it needs it. Are the leaf blades folded? Do footprints remain in it? Is it a blue-grey color? All of these are signs that turf needs water. According to Titusville’s irrigation restrictions, during Eastern Standard Time you may irrigate your lawn only once a week. 

During Daylight Saving Time, you may irrigate your lawn up to twice a week. Remember, both restrictions are a maximum. Often lawns, especially those with large bedding areas and plantings, can be irrigated less often and still maintain good health. 

Over-watering your yard makes it less drought tolerant and encourages mold and fungal growth.

4. Do I have to follow the irrigation restrictions if I have reclaimed water?

Yes. Titusville’s irrigation restrictions apply to city (potable) water, well water, and reclaimed water.

5. Are there special times I should water my lawn?

Always irrigate your lawn before 10 am or after 4 pm on your watering days. Never water your lawn between 10 am and 4 pm. This is the period of highest evaporation rate and most of the water will only go up into the air versus on your grass.

6. Is watering my yard with a hose allowed under the irrigation restrictions?

Under Titusville’s outside irrigation restrictions, you may irrigate your yard with a hose on any day at any time of day, as long as that hose has an automatic shutoff nozzle. An automatic shutoff nozzle is a nozzle that shuts off the water when you let go of the nozzle. Setting the nozzle so that it does not shut off upon release or laying a hose on the ground and allowing it to run is prohibited. If you attach the hose to a sprinkler, you must follow the irrigation restrictions.

7. Can I pick another day to water if I missed my watering day?

No. The irrigation schedules allow you to water on a specific day. If you miss your watering day, you must wait until your next scheduled watering day or water by hand using a hose with an automatic shut off nozzle.

8. Is it okay to have my sprinklers come on at 11 pm and go off at 1 am

No. Your irrigation day starts at 12:01 am and ends at 11:59 pm, with no watering between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Leaving your controller set at your current times would put in you in violation of Titusville’s irrigation restrictions and you would be subject to fines.

9. Is there a penalty if I don't follow the watering restrictions?

Yes. Violations may result in fines. Initial fines start at $100 and apply to each occurrence.

10. Who do I call if my neighbor waters all the time?

Call the Conservation Office at 321-567-3865. A flyer noting the restrictions will be sent to your neighbor. If inappropriate irrigation continues, they may be subject to fines. Fines start at $100 per occurrence.

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1. How can I check to see if I have a leak in my home?

Determine a time when no water is being used in the home (such as at night while you are sleeping). Remember to turn off your ice maker prior to performing this test.

Meter Monitoring

Go out to your meter and write down the numbers showing on the dial before going to bed. When you awake, before any water is turned on in the home, check your meter again. If the numbers on the dial have changed, you may have a leak.

If you have a new radio-read meter with a digital display, you will need to shine a light on the meter face in order to activate the display. These types of meters also have a small faucet icon that will either flash or be continuously displayed if the meter detects a leak.

Checking Toilets

Toilets can be checked for leaks by adding toilet dye tablets (available from the Conservation Office) or food coloring to your toilet tank. Wait 15 minutes. If the dye or food coloring appears in the bowl, you have a leak. You may just need to replace the flapper. Always use the flapper recommended by your toilet’s manufacturer.

2. How much water will I save if I change out my old toilet for a new high efficiency toilet?

If a family of four switches out a toilet that uses 7 gallons per flush (gpf) for a WaterSense High Efficiency Toilet (HET) (1.28 gpf) toilet, it could save up to 41,756 gallons of water per year.

Number of People x Gallons per Person per Day x Days per Year = Annual Water Savings

4 x (July 1, 2028) x 5 x 365 = 41,756 Gallons

If this same family had a toilet that used 3.5 gpf and switched to a WaterSense HET toilet, it could save up to 16,206 gallons of water per year.

4 x (3.5 to 1.28) x 5 x 365 = 16,206 Gallons

3. What is a faucet aerator?

A faucet aerator mixes air and water for a smooth flow. The aerator is located where the water comes out of the faucet. Aerators are a simple and inexpensive way to save water.