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Punta Gorda council adopts emergency once‑a‑week watering restriction
Summary
City council approved an emergency ordinance limiting irrigation to once per week for established lawns and landscaping, citing increased winter water demand, main breaks and state withdrawal limits; the measure will last up to 180 days.
Punta Gorda City Council on Feb. 5 adopted an emergency ordinance instituting a once‑per‑week watering restriction for established lawns and landscaping for up to 180 days, citing a recent surge in water usage, multiple main breaks and state withdrawal limits.
City utilities staff said a perfect‑storm sequence in January — abrupt temperature swings, additional rain that softens soils, many leak and main‑break work orders, and unusually high irrigation demand — combined to strain the treatment and distribution system. The city reported a system low pressure event (about 18.7 PSI) and issued a precautionary boil water notice while following Department of Health and DEP guidance.
The ordinance was presented by staff as an emergency measure to protect the Shell Creek/Prairie Creek reservoir withdrawals that are subject to minimum flow and level restrictions set by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (Swiftmud). Staff said the restriction is intended to reduce peak irrigation demand during the dry season and to preserve distribution system pressure while the city addresses infrastructure needs.
Council members and residents asked about enforcement, exemptions and practical effects. Staff said the ordinance allows exemptions for newly sodded lawns (up to 30 days), and that enforcement will start with written warnings and escalate to citations; current code enforcement staffing was described as limited. Council discussed the challenge of detecting nighttime irrigation and potential steps the city will take to monitor usage and run public education with UF Extension and published guidance on irrigation adjustments and Florida‑friendly landscaping.
Councilmember Melissa Lockhart made the motion to adopt the ordinance; the motion was seconded and carried. City staff noted the council approved the emergency ordinance consistent with statutory requirements for an emergency measure.
The council and staff also discussed longer‑term solutions: accelerated water‑main upgrades, additional pumping capability and a proposed reverse‑osmosis (RO) plant to secure water supply if regional shortages grow, as well as revisions to Chapter 17 (Utilities) to strengthen irrigation rules and education.
The ordinance will remain in effect for up to 180 days or until it is repealed earlier by the council or superseded by other rules. Staff recommended follow‑up public outreach and additional monitoring while infrastructure repairs proceed.
