Why Restrict Self-Supplied Irrigation Systems?
SWFWMD was asked "Why restrictions on well and reclaimed water sources when there is no shortage of well or reclaimed water?
The SWFWMD answer was simple: To reduce the use of potable water, they restrict ALL irrigation.
Why Restrict All Irrigation?
SWFWMD enforces a blanket restriction on all irrigation for “practical considerations” described as:
- Ease of Education
- Ease of Enforcement
- Improve the Effectiveness of the restrictions on potable demand
In other words, the softer and easier way is to turn off everybody's irrigation. The goal is have the appearance of saving water. But restricting all irrigation does not save potable - restrictions destroy private property. They even acknowledge that fact but they consider the ends justify the means.
Do the Restrictions Work?
SWFWMD does not know. They only have their logical reasoning to justify their actions:
- People use more potable water during hot dry weather
- Lawns use more water during hot dry weather
- Therefore if you reduce lawn watering, you reduce potable water usage.
Their logic is deeply flawed because most irrigated lawns depend on wells and reclaimed water for irrigation. Restrictions do make the bureaucrat's life easier and life miserable for the citizen.
A Better Way to Reduce Potable Water Usage
Here is a simpler, easier way: Outlaw using potable water for lawns and landscapes!
There is this thing on every house called a water meter. A house using potable water for irrigation will use 1000's more gallons of water than normal households. Find those homes with city water for irrigation and penalize them and stop penalizing reclaimed and well users. And stop destroying private property.
