As Florida residents and business owners prepare to “fall back” one hour this weekend, officials are urging them to do more than just adjust household clocks—they should also check their irrigation timers to ensure compliance with water conservation measures.
Daylight saving time ends early Sunday morning, Nov. 2, making it an ideal time for property owners to re-evaluate their landscape watering habits. With cooler autumn temperatures settling in, residents can maximize the health of their landscape while minimizing water usage.
Unincorporated Hillsborough County already enforces designated lawn irrigation days as part of year-round water conservation efforts. Failing to adjust an automatic timer after the time change, or as temperatures drop, can lead to wasteful watering and potential fines.
The county provides valuable resources to help residents remain water-wise:
- Free On-Site Irrigation Evaluation: Community and condominium associations, as well as Hillsborough County residents, can take advantage of a free on-site irrigation evaluation service. This program helps ensure automatic irrigation timers are set correctly and systems are operating efficiently.
- To inquire about the service, residents can contact Will Stone, Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program coordinator, at (813) 744-5519 ext. 54133
- Rebate for Smart Technology: Residents may also be eligible for a rebate worth up to $250 for installing a qualified weather-based irrigation controller or a soil moisture sensor.
- Installation of these devices may be provided free of charge through the Tampa Bay Water Wise program.
This weekend’s time change serves as a practical annual reminder that conservation is an ongoing effort, and every property owner plays a part in protecting the region’s vital water resources.
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