Irrigation Schedule

 

 

As drought conditions continue to impact our region, it’s more important than ever to follow the City’s irrigation schedule and any temporary watering restrictions. Adjusting your irrigation days and run times helps protect our water supply, maintain adequate system pressure, and support long-term sustainability of our aquifer. Please review the current irrigation schedule and note any updates due to drought conditions to ensure you are watering efficiently and in compliance with City guidelines.

SJRWMD Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Order- Effective May 11, 2026 

 Irrigation is Limited to One Day Per Week:
  • Odd-numbered or no street address: Saturdays
  • Even-numbered addresses: Sundays
  • Non-residential properties: Tuesdays

 Irrigation Times

  • No irrigation between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
    Watering during the heat of the day leads to high evaporation and wasted water.
  • Water amount:
    No more than ¾ inch of water per irrigation zone each day irrigation occurs. Irrigation may not exceed one hour per zone on your scheduled day.

Irrigation Exceptions
Certain types of irrigation or exceptional circumstances allow watering outside the regular schedule:

Micro-irrigation (micro-spray, micro-jet, drip, or bubbler)
Allowed any time, as these systems are highly water-efficient.

New Landscape Establishment Period
The establishment period for new plant materials is reduced to a 15/30/15 schedule:

  • Days 1-15: Watering is allowed any day, using the only the minimum necessary amount.
  • Days 16-45: Watering is allowed up to 3 days per week.
  • Days 46-60: Watering is allowed up to 2 days per week.

No irrigation is allowed between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. This applies one time per landscape installation.

Watering in Chemicals
(Insecticides, fertilizers, herbicides, etc.)

  • Allowed within 24 hours of application.
  • Do not exceed ¼ inch of water, unless required by law or the manufacturer.

Maintenance and Repairs
Irrigation systems may operate any day, any time, for testing purposes—not to exceed 20 minutes per hour per zone.

Hand-watering
Hand-watering with a hose equipped with an automatic shutoff nozzle is allowed at any time.

Cooling Systems
Water discharge from a water-to-air A/C unit or other cooling systems is not restricted.
 
Reclaimed & Recycled Water
Reclaimed water may be used anytime.
  • Water from wet detention ponds may be used if not supplemented by groundwater or public-supply sources.

Who Sets These Rules?
All of Marion County—including the City of Ocala—must follow the irrigation restrictions established by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD).

Exceptions:
  • The Villages
  • City of Dunnellon
These communities follow Southwest Florida Water Management District rules.

Learn More 

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