July is Smart Irrigation Month, and Orange County Utilities is reminding residents that most household water goes to lawns and landscaping. The county says more than 51% of residential water use goes toward keeping bushes, grass, flowers and trees green in the Florida heat.
The county offers several tips. Residents should know their assigned watering days, which in Florida are set by mandatory restrictions based on odd or even addresses and the time of year. Rain sensors, required by the state since 1991, should be tested by simulating rain while a sprinkler zone runs. Watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is prohibited, so early morning or late evening is preferred.
The county also advises watching the forecast and turning systems off when rain is predicted, checking systems regularly for leaks and overspray, and avoiding overwatering. Homeowners typically overwater by up to 30%, the county says. Free irrigation timer consultations are available by email, and more information is offered through the county water conservation program.
Press release issued by Orange County Government Newsroom:
https://newsroom.ocfl.net/2026/07/orange-county-utilities-issues-timely-smart-irrigation-reminders/
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