Environmental Services Division
Public Services Department
View Department Contact information
Environmental Services Division
Public Services Department
300 West Plant Street
Winter Garden, FL 34787
Utility Emergencies
After 5pm - Monday through Friday
All Day - Saturdays & Sundays
Phone: 321.436.4559
Staff
Angela Ewanitz
Water Conservation & Recycling Coordinator
aewanitz@wintergarden-fl.gov
Phone: 407.656.4111 ext. 5193
Water Conservation
Providing for our residents’ current water needs while planning ahead to meet projected needs is a top priority for the City.
To ensure the availability of this precious resource for future generations, the withdrawal of fresh water from our ecosystem cannot exceed its natural replacement rate. As Florida’s population continues to grow, it is increasingly vital that we take measures to conserve this life-sustaining natural resource.
This page provides residents with the knowledge and tools they need to use water effectively and efficiently in their everyday lives. Every drop counts and every person can make a difference!
News and Announcements
Irrigation & Outdoor Watering
Standard Time irrigation rules go into effect the 1st Sunday in November (November 6, 2011) and continue through the 2nd Sunday in March (March 11, 2011). During Standard Time, irrigation is allowed up to one (1) day per week. Conserve water and save money by irrigating only when your lawn needs it! For detailed information on watering and irrigation, please click here.
Smart Irrigation Month is a campaign to increase public awareness of the value of water-use efficiency during summer’s peak demand. Check rain sensors, controller settings, and spray heads. To learn more about Smart Irrigation Month, click here.
Water Conservation staff can provide irrigation evaluations, help with controller programming, and provide tips on landscaping practices & design to reduce water consumption. Please call 407.654.2732 or visit www.wintergarden-fl.gov for more information.
Drinking Water Week, First Week of May
The American Water Works Association (AWWA), the authoritative resource on safe water, kicks off Drinking Water Week on May 1, 2011, an annual celebration of our most precious natural resource.
A safe, reliable water supply is critical to the success of any community. It creates jobs, attracts industry and investment, and provides for the health and welfare of citizens in ways ranging from disease prevention to fire suppression. For more than 35 years, the American Water Works Association and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week – a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives.
In addition to conserving our water resources, it is vital that we protect water sources from contamination.
For more information on what only tap water delivers, please visit http://www.drinktap.org/.
April is Water Conservation Month!
The City of Winter Garden encourages everyone to take steps to conserve water year-round, but as we enter into Florida’s dry season, it is even more critical for us all to do our part to conserve. The Florida Legislature designated April as Water Conservation Month because April is in the dry season, when there is relatively little rainfall compared to the rest of the year. As we enter into Florida’s dry season, it is critical that the Winter Garden Community continues to conserve our water resources. Here are just a few ways to conserve water…click here.
Learn how to protect your plants during the cold – click here.
Green Events & Activities
- February 29, 2012 - Groundcovers & Turf Alternatives for Your Florida-Friendly Landscapes. Tired of replacing your thirsty turf and mowing in the summer heat? Learn about water efficient and low maintenance choices to use in your yard instead of turf. Click here for flyer.
- March 29, 2012 - Create a Florida-Friendly Yard. Learn how to make your yard into a Florida-Friendly Landscape that requires less water, fertilizer and pesticides! Click here for flyer.
- April 11, 2012 - Landscape Design Class I (first part of a 2-part course). Learn how to make a base plan of your property on paper. Become familiar with principles of art that are used in design. Learn techniques for developing a cohesive, Florida-Friendly design. Click here for flyer.
- April 18, 2012 – Landscape Design Class II (second part of a 2-part course). Learn the basics of site evaluation and plant selection. Become familiar with resources for selection of “Right Plant, Right Place”. Learn how your design can become a “working plan”. Click here for flyer.
All workshops listed above are FREE and held at Winter Garden City Hall, 300 West Plant Street (unless otherwise noted).
Registration: Please call 407.654.2732 or email aewanitz@wintergarden-fl.gov.
Other Educational Opportunities
- February 4, 2012 - Eco-Nomic Living Expo, promotes Sustainable Living Techniques through concurrent educational sessions, demonstrations, and exhibits…click here for flyer!
- Horticulture Classes at Jessie Brock Community Center, click here.
- Classes on landscaping, gardening, pesticide application, and much more at UF/IFAS Extension workshops, click here.
Special Programs
Free landscaping and irrigation evaluations are provided by the Water Conservation Department. Please call 407.654.2732 or email astout@wintergarden-fl.gov to schedule an appointment.
Free Showerhead Exchange
The City is offering a free 1.5 gpm showerhead, plus other water-saving fixtures. Please click here for more information.
Conservation Information
Tips to Conserve Water - Click here!
Smart Irrigation
The City of Winter Garden encourages homeowners to be smart about their irrigation by taking a moment to tune up their irrigation systems and check their rain shut-off devices. To learn more, click here.
The City’s Water Conservation Department provides basic irrigation evaluations, assistance with controller programming, and provides tips on landscaping practices and design to reduce water consumption. Detailed audits and some repairs may require hiring a certified irrigation professional.
For more information about irrigation contractors, please visit the Florida Irrigation Society and Irrigation Association websites.
What Is Your Water Footprint? (by H2O Conserve)
The H2O Conserve Water Calculator is an interactive tool designed to help you figure out how much water you use, how you use it, and how you can use less. Click here to calculate your water footprint.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping
Program Information
Videos & Tutorials
Demonstration Garden
Florida-Friendly Landscaping is encouraged and protected under Florida Statute 373.185, to learn more click here. For FAQs about the statute, click here. To learn more about implementing Florida-Friendly Landscaping, contact the Orange County Yards & Neighborhoods (FYN) Program Assistant, click here.
Irrigation Rules Summary
Time of Year |
Odd # Homes |
Even # Homes |
Non-Residential Properties |
| Daylight Savings Time 2nd Sunday in March until the 1st Sunday in November |
Wednesday/ Saturday |
Thursday/ Sunday |
Tuesday/Friday |
| Eastern Standard Time 1st Sunday in November until the 2nd Sunday in March |
Saturday |
Sunday |
Tuesday |
- Water only when needed.
- NO WATERING between 10am and 4pm.
- Restrictions apply to private well/pumps, ground or surface water, and water from public and private utilities – including reclaimed water
- All irrigation systems installed after 1991 – or repaired on any date – MUST have a properly functioning rain sensor.
- Some exceptions apply.
City of Winter Garden Irrigation Ordinance (09-11)
First violation: Written warning
Second violation: Notice of violation and $50.00 fine
Subsequent violations: Increased by $50.00 with each additional violation with fines not to exceed $500.00
Each day in violation of this Ordinance shall constitute a separate offense.
Alternatives to Irrigation Violation Fines
To report an irrigation violation, please call 407.654.2732 or email astout@wintergarden-fl.gov.
Educational Resources
| Teachers | |
| Fun for Kids | |
Professional Resources
EPA Water Sense
Florida Water Star
Irrigation Association
Florida Irrigation Society
Florida-Friendly Landscaping
UF/IFAS Extension Center
U.S. Green Building Council
Florida Green Building Coalition
Association of Florida Native Nurseries
Program for Resource Efficient Communities
Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices
Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association
Standards and Specifications for Turf and Landscape Irrigation Systems
Useful Links
Florida Friendly Landscaping
Watering & Irrigation
St. Johns River Water Management District
Florida Water Star
Waterwise Florida Landscapes
WaterSense
Rain Barrels
Reclaim Water
UF/IFAS Extension Office
Orange County Environmental Protection
Orange County Tree Adoption Events
Go Native
Invasive Plant List