By Alyce Hanson, Administrative Services Director

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) manages and protects the water resources of the South Florida region and provides information about conserving water and current water restrictions. Included here are some water conservation tips and the current water restrictions.

Three Water Conservation Tips

• Don't defrost frozen foods with running water. Either plan ahead by placing frozen items in the refrigerator overnight or defrost them in the microwave. Saves 50 to 150 gallons a month.
• Don't let the faucet run while you clean vegetables. Rinse them in a filled sink or pan. Saves 150 to 250 gallons a month.
• Use the garbage disposal less and the garbage more (even better--compost!). Saves 50 to 150 gallons a month.

Water Restrictions

South Florida continues to experience one of the driest times in our history, resulting in a water shortage. Mandatory water restrictions remain in effect. Odd or Even?

Residents and businesses of Broward, Collier, Miami-Dade, Monroe, St. Lucie and coastal areas of Lee, Martin and Palm Beach counties, including the City of West Palm Beach are limited to a two-day-per-week landscape irrigation schedule with two "watering windows".

• Odd street addresses may irrigate lawns and landscapes on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
• Even street addresses may irrigate lawns and landscapes on Thursdays and Sundays from 12 a.m. to 10 a.m. and/or 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

For more information, visit sfwmd.gov or Ask City Hall