Water Conservation

IWA & Coastal Watch have developed a Conservation Plan in an effort to encourage responsible use of our finite resource, water.

 

Irrigation Regulations

The South Florida Water Management District has created year-round landscape irrigation conservation measures. Sanibel island and Captiva Island landscape irrigation restrictions are detailed below:

Irrigation is prohibited between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM.

 

How do we use water?

Water usage on Sanibel and Captiva is highly seasonal, and the demand for potable water is growing. Average water use on both island is 2,200 gallons per minute, which accounts for domestic uses such as sanitation, personal hygiene, drinking, and cooking. However, the majority of potable water, approximately 65% of production, is used for irrigation of lawns and landscaping.

The installation of timed irrigation systems has created high water demand periods of up to 10,000 gallons per minute. These periods of high demand occur in the early hours of the morning, while we are asleep, with the highest usage concentrated on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The graph below shows a typical irrigation pattern, with increased water usage occurring between midnight and 6 AM, peaking around 4 AM. With widespread adherence to irrigation regulations, these peak demands and the stresses they create on the water system, can be greatly reduced.

 

Water Demand

 

What happens to our water after it is used?

On Sanibel, as water is used indoors and flows down drains it enters the City of Sanibel’s sewer system. All flow within the sewer system is treated at the City of Sanibel Donax Wastewater Reclamation Plant. After being treated, the effluent is distributed across the island and used as reclaimed irrigation water for many properties, including all golf courses on Sanibel. Excess reclaimed water not used for irrigation is sent deep into the ground, far below our drinking water aquifer, through an injection well at IWA’s facility.

 

How do we minimize our impact and conserve water?

Try these tips around your home to conserve water, decrease your bill, and protect the environment.

Home

  • Check for leaks and repair right away.

  • Turn off faucets when not in use. For example, when brushing teeth.

  • Install low-flow water fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and shower heads.

  • Choose a shower over a bath when possible. Taking a shower uses less water than filling a bathrub.

  • Wash only full loads of dishes/clothes or adjust the water settings for smaller loads.

Yard

  • Check for leaks and repair right away.

  • Check functionality of rain shut-off device on irrigation systems. Repair or replace right away.

  • Inspect and properly maintain septic system.

  • Follow the South Florida Water Management District’s and local irrigation rules.

  • Choose native plants for your garden and/or landscape and group according to their water needs. Native plants are adapted to the local conditions and once established, require no irrigation or fertilizer.*

  • Water turf only when it shows signs of wilting, color change, or footprints remain in grass.

  • Set sprinklers to water lawns and gardens only. Do not overwater. Check that you’re not watering driveways, streets, or sidewalks.

*Visit mysanibel.com for more information.