Water is one of Florida’s most valuable natural resources. The City of Ocala Water Resources is committed to protecting the Floridan aquifer, ensuring a reliable water supply, and promoting responsible water use for current and future generations. Through infrastructure investment, system monitoring, and public education, the City of Ocala Water Resources works to balance community needs with environmental stewardship.

Residents play an important role in these efforts. Following local water-use requirements and adopting efficient habits indoors and outdoors helps reduce waste and supports the long-term sustainability of Ocala’s water resources.

Water Waste Prohibited
Unnecessary or excessive use of water is not permitted. Water use that results in runoff onto streets, sidewalks, driveways, or adjacent properties is considered waste and should be avoided. Under the current Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Advisory, aesthetic uses of water are prohibited.

Outdoor Irrigation Regulations
The City of Ocala has adopted landscape irrigation restrictions to promote water conservation through more efficient landscape irrigation. Landscape irrigation accounts for more than 50 percent of residential water use in our region, making outdoor watering restrictions essential for water conservation. All customers are required to follow the designated watering days and times. Irrigation outside these guidelines is not permitted except under specific exemptions.

Irrigation Schedule

Due to the current Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Advisory, irrigation is restricted to one day per week

• Odd addresses (ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) or no address: Saturday only
• Even addresses (ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8): Sunday only
• Non-residential: Tuesday only

Important

• Water only when needed and not between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Water for no more than one hour per zone
• Restrictions apply to private wells and pumps, ground or surface water, and water from public and private utilities
• Some exceptions apply

The City of Ocala Water Resources Department supports water conservation by

• Operating and maintaining a water treatment plant 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Monitoring water production, usage, and system efficiency
• Making infrastructure improvements to reduce system water loss
• Protecting the Floridan aquifer through responsible treatment and regulation
• Providing customer tools, including EyeOnWater®, to support leak detection and usage awareness
• Offering education and outreach programs focused on conservation and environmental responsibility

Leak Repair Responsibility
Property owners are responsible for maintaining plumbing and irrigation systems in good working order. Known leaks—both indoor and outdoor—should be repaired promptly to prevent water loss.

Leaks are one of the most common sources of water waste. A dripping faucet, running toilet, or irrigation system leak can waste hundreds of gallons of water each month if left unaddressed. Identifying and repairing leaks early helps conserve water and supports compliance with City water-use requirements.

City of Ocala customers are encouraged to use EyeOnWater® to:

• Monitor daily water usage
• Identify unusual increases in water consumption
• Receive alerts that may indicate a leak
• Better understand personal water-use patterns

Conservation Tips

Indoor Water Conservation Tips

• Repairing dripping faucets and running toilets promptly
• Turning off the tap while brushing teeth or shaving
• Running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads
• Using water-efficient fixtures and appliances when possible
• Taking short showers

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips

• Follow designated watering days and approved watering times. 
• Adjust irrigation systems seasonally and after rainfall
• Inspect sprinkler systems regularly for leaks or misaligned heads
• Avoid watering paved surfaces
• Use mulch and appropriate plant selection to retain moisture

The City of Ocala is committed to protecting our water resources through regulation, infrastructure investment, and education. By following water-use requirements, fixing leaks, and using water efficiently indoors and outdoors, residents help ensure a sustainable water supply for the community today and into the future.

Additional Resources

St Johns River Water Management District https://www.sjrwmd.com/water-conservation/

Florida Department of Environmental Protection https://floridadep.gov/owper/water-policy/content/water-conservation

United States Environmental Protection Agency https://www.epa.gov/watersense/start-saving