Cape Coral City asks residents to cut irrigation as drought continues

Cape Coral City officials asked residents to voluntarily reduce lawn and landscape irrigation to conserve water as drought conditions persist across Southwest Florida.

An agency official for Cape Coral City said the city is asking residents to cut back irrigation to once a week, or not at all if there has been recent rain, to help stretch the community’s supply until the rainy season arrives. "Voluntary cooperation now can help prevent stricter rules later down the road," the agency official said.

The request comes while most of Cape Coral remains under a regular two-day-per-week watering schedule. The official emphasized that the city’s schedule is separate from Lee County’s rules, which apply only in unincorporated areas.

A staff member noted that one section of the city faces stricter limitations after the South Florida Water Management District declared a severe water shortage. In that restricted zone, properties that rely on private wells must stop using irrigation systems; homes connected to city water remain on the two-day-per-week schedule, the staff member said. "Every drop saved makes a difference," the staff member added.

City officials urged homeowners to check rain sensors and make sure sprinkler systems are not running when unnecessary, to check for leaks, water less often, and plan more drought-tolerant landscaping. For the latest watering rules and tips for conservation, the city directed residents to capecoral.gov/waterconservation.

Officials did not announce new mandatory citywide restrictions in the statement; instead, they framed the guidance as a voluntary conservation appeal intended to reduce the need for stricter measures if conditions worsen.