Water Conservation Policy

In order to use water efficiently during the peak usage months of May through September, the City adopted a Water Conservation Policy. Resolution 09-30 created an alternate-day outdoor watering schedule for customers of Spring Hill Water.

Addresses ending with an even number can irrigate outdoors on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Addresses ending with an odd number can irrigate outdoors on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Friday is a non-watering day to allow the water system to refill City reservoirs.

This schedule is in effect from May 1st - September 30th. It is recommended, although not mandatory, that outdoor watering take place during the hours of 4 a.m. - 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. - 2 a.m. Watering during the hottest hours of the day wastes water through evaporation which does not allow adequate soil and root absorption compared to watering during the cooler hours of the day. Failure to follow the policy could ultimately lead to discontinuation of your water service.

During the first instance, property owners will receive a warning. A second instance of non-compliance will result in a Notice of Violation. Upon the third instance, water service will be shut off and reconnection fees will be required for continuation of service.

We are confident that the odd/even watering schedule will allow our water customers to properly maintain their lawns and landscaping while reducing peak seasonal demands on the water distribution system.

Exemptions to the Policy

• Outdoor potted plants and hanging baskets can be watered at any time.
• Newly planted sod requires daily watering for the sod to take root and for the lawn to be established. Seeded lawns are not exempt from the policy as they require watering 2 -3 times per week.
• Plants growing inside greenhouses, including commercial greenhouses.
• Newly planted landscaping may require once-daily watering for a few days or weeks. Water customers are encouraged to establish their lawns and plant new landscaping in the spring or fall when this policy is not in effect.
• Cars and other vehicles may be washed, but water conservation measures should be observed, such as not allowing the water to run continuously during vehicle washings.
• Publicly owned park facilities and playing fields are exempt from the Water Conservation Policy. Failure to properly maintain these fields by the Parks Division would result in damage to the playing fields.

Pressure washing and swimming pool filling are not restricted by this policy at this time. However, the Spring Hill Utility Department encourages everyone to utilize water conservation measures.

If the current Water Conservation Policy fails to provide an adequate reduction of peak day demands, it may be revised to limit other non-essential outdoor water uses. Please note that water wasting in the course of any water use activity will be in violation of this Water Conservation Policy.

Reason for Policy

Scheduled watering is a strategy to address peak water use demand. While we all enjoy having a lush, green landscape, especially during the height of our summer outdoor activities, too many people watering at the same time can cause stress to the water distribution system. 

By alternating outdoor watering days, we can conserve our valuable water resources and still meet the peak use summer demands for our customers. The City’s goal is to reduce peak day demands by approximately 33%. 

Since most lawns require only one inch of water per week to remain healthy, watering over the course of three days per week should easily allow enough time to water while also providing water conservation measures.

Additional water conservation resources can be found at WaterSense | US EPA.

Enforcement

The first time that a complaint is lodged by the public, and verified by a City staff member, or a non-compliant infraction is observed by City staff, the non-compliant customer will be sent educational materials via mail to inform the customer of the policy and the need for it.

A customer receiving a second non-compliance infraction will receive a door hanger stating that this is the second offense and that the City will terminate water service if there is an additional instance of non-compliance.

The third offense will result in the customer’s water service being shut off and a door hanger indicating the termination of water service. The water service will not be restored until a reconnection fee has been paid.

A subsequence instance of non-compliance at the same address in the same year will result in the water service again being terminated and a door hanger posted indicating the termination of water service. The water service will not be restored until a reconnection fee has been paid and the customer has agreed in writing to comply with the Water Conservation Policy and Outdoor Watering Schedule. Further non-compliance could result in court proceedings against the customer.

FAQs

• Why does Spring Hill have an odd/even day watering schedule? 

Peak water use demands place a strain on the water system during the summer months when water use is greatest. An odd/even schedule is a better way to manage our community’s valuable water.

• Why is Friday a non-watering day?

Historically, Spring Hill Utility Department customers use more water during the weekends compared to a
typical weekday. A non-watering day provides the water system with a beneficial pause. Due to the decreased demand, reservoirs will be able to fill to their maximum levels and crews can take pumps and equipment offline for maintenance, if needed. A non-watering day allows Spring Hill’s water system to be better prepared to meet the expected increases in the demand for water over the weekend.

• Does the odd/even day watering policy apply to City of Spring Hill properties?

Yes! The irrigation of public rights-of-way maintained by the city as well as public facilities and grounds also follow the odd-even day policy. More frequent irrigation will occur on public property, such as playing fields, to protect the community’s investment in their parks and open spaces.

Click here for a link to the City of Spring Hill Water Conservation Policy Brochure