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Residents Asked To Skip Week Of Irrigation

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 5, 2009

Grass doesn't grow much during the winter.

So, in an effort to cut back on a dwindling water supply, the Southwest Florida Water Management District is asking homeowners to skip a week of irrigation in January and February.

Using research from the University of Florida, district officials say now is a good time to conserve. In cooler months, according to the UF research, three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days is sufficient.

"The cooler months are a good time to train lawns to need less water," said Sylvia Durell, Florida-friendly landscaping project manager. "Using less water will encourage deeper grass and plant roots, which makes them more drought-tolerant."

Over-watering can also encourage disease and pests.

Water managers say you only need to irrigate if:

Grass blades are folded in half on 30 percent of the lawn

Grass blades are blue-gray

A footprint remains on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it

The region is experiencing the effects of a three-year drought and October through May is Florida's dry season. Tightened restrictions are currently in effect for all of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties through June 30.

For more water conservation tips, information about the drought and the current water restrictions, visit the District's Web site at WaterMatters.org/drought.

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