Eastern Broward Suffering "Extreme Drought"; Officials Ask Residents to Conserve

The whole of South Florida is experiencing major drought, and eastern Broward County is especially suffering drier-than-normal conditions for this time of year. According to the county's Environmental Planning and Community Resilience Division, eastern parts of the county are under Stage 3 drought conditions. The rest of Broward is under Stage 2. 

Stage 3 is considered "extreme drought," while Stage 2 is considered "severe."

Even with some heavy rain having hit our area recently, the drought continues. And the dry weather is to blame for more than 6,363 acres of brushfires across Broward and Miami-Dade counties over the past three months, according to the Miami Herald.

To conserve water, county officials are asking that residents manage their water resources better. It's also cutting down on watering throughout the county.

Landscape irrigation is being restricted to two days a week and no watering is allowed between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. throughout the county, depending on address.

Odd-numbered addresses can water Wednesdays and/or Saturdays; even numbered addresses, on Thursdays and/or Sundays. 

Broward County has released other tips on reducing water:

-Use native plants or other plants that require little supplemental irrigation.

-If watering with a hose, make sure it has a shut-off nozzle. Water slowly to reduce runoff and to allow the water to penetrate deep to the plant's roots. Water only things that grow. Adjust sprinklers so they are not spraying water on paved surfaces.

-Install and maintain rain sensors on your irrigation controller if it does not have one built-in.

-Regularly inspect sprinkler heads to make sure they are not damaged or malfunctioning.

-Don't just water because it is your day. Irrigate your lawn when it shows signs of stress from lack of water. Pay attention to signs of stressed grass, such as a bluish-gray color, lingering footprints and leaf blades that are folded in half.

-Find a commercial car wash that uses recycled water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass, use a bucket of soapy water and a hose with a shut-off nozzle.

-Install low-flow faucets or faucet aerators.

-Install low-flow showerheads and time your shower to less than five minutes.

-If your toilet is older than 1993, consider replacing it and participating in the Broward Water Partnership's Conservation Pays Program where you may be eligible for a rebate.

-Scrape your dishes, don't rinse before loading into the dishwasher. And always operate the dishwasher only when you have a full load.

-Remember to turn off water when you are brushing your teeth or shaving.