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Incorrect Timers Could Lead To Lawn Watering Fines

By Carl Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: March 6, 2009

NEW PORT RICHEY - With the number of lawn watering fines in Pasco County already approaching the 1,000 mark, residents are reminded to reset the timers on sprinkler systems at 2 a.m. Sunday when daylight saving time begins.

Clocks must be moved forward one hour on March 8, but many people might forget to adjust timers for lawn and garden irrigation systems, according to a Southwest Florida Water Management District spokeswoman, Robyn Felix.

Incorrect timer settings could lead to violations of lawn watering regulations, which are being strictly enforced during the current drought. The Brooksville-based district issued the get-tough directives Feb. 24 for the 16 counties in its area of jurisdiction.

That means Pasco County enforces do not have to issue warnings before citing residents who ignore the lawn watering rules. Pasco homeowners can irrigate lawns only one day a week before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

County water cops wrote 873 violation notices between Nov. 15 of last year and March 5, according to Sue Chase, customer affairs manager for Pasco County Utilities Services.

An army of 39 Pasco County Utilities Services workers has been deputized and cite lawn watering scofflaws. They supplement the county Code Compliance Department staff, which also is patrolling neighborhoods, Chase said.

Patrols include early morning and weekend hours, Chase noted, adding, "They take pictures."

A first offense carries a $30 fine and court costs, Chase noted. The fine escalates to $250 for a second offense. A third offense calls for a $500 fine and mandatory court appearance.

So far the initial citations appear to be having an impact because there have been few second or third offenses noted, Chase said.

"We're looking to step up enforcement and increasing education," Chase commented. "It goes hand in hand."

For more information, call Chase at 727-847-8131.

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