June 5, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Diane G. Papadakos, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
dpapadakos@wpb.org
(561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)

City of West Palm Beach Utilities Department Urges Residents to Conserve Water
Reminds residents City resolution 261-12 is still in effect

The City of West Palm Beach Department of Public Utilities urgently reminds all our water customers to practice water conservation and adhere to the City’s water irrigation conservation measures.

Our supply source for drinking water at Grassy Waters Preserve and Clear Lake is experiencing the impacts of the lack of seasonal rainfall and record-high temperatures. To supplement our supply of fresh drinking water, the City has recently activated our wellfields, utilizing the Florida surficial aquifer to add approximately 10 million gallons of water daily. 

We strongly urge residents to recognize their significant role in water conservation, particularly during the ongoing hot and dry weather. It's crucial to remember that watering lawns is a major contributor to water waste, with nearly half of residential water use dedicated to irrigation. By collectively committing to reduce irrigation, we can substantially impact water conservation and safeguard our resources. 

Did you know that the code requires year-round water conservation measures? Here are the current requirements for all our water customers in West Palm Beach, the Town of Palm Beach, and the Town of South Palm Beach.

RESOLUTION NO. 261-12

Prohibited times. Landscape irrigation shall be prohibited daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., except as otherwise provided in this division. Existing landscaping – watering allowed three days per week.  Irrigation of existing landscaping shall comply with the following provisions:

• Even addresses and installations with irrigation systems that irrigate, even and odd addresses within the same zones, such as multi-family units and homeowners' associations, and right-of-way or other locations with no address, may perform necessary landscape irrigation only on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
• Odd addresses may perform necessary landscape irrigation only on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

The City underscores the importance of all our water customers understanding and adhering to the water conservation measures outlined in the current ordinance. Your compliance is not just a request but a necessity for the sustainable use of our water resources. It's crucial to remember that adherence to these measures is a shared responsibility that significantly contributes to our collective water conservation efforts.

We deeply appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to provide the best drinking water during this reduced rainfall and record heat period. Your efforts in water conservation are invaluable and make a significant difference.

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About the City of West Palm Beach:
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic City located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central City of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront City that offers the business advantages available in the region, combined with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and/or LinkedIn.