Current Palm Beach County Water Restrictions
Palm Beach County follows South Florida Water Management District regulations year-round. These rules apply to all irrigation sources — city water, wells, and lake or reclaimed systems alike.
Allowed watering days:
- Odd-numbered addresses: Wednesday & Saturday
- Even-numbered addresses: Thursday & Sunday
- No watering between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM
Violations can lead to warnings or fines up to $500 for repeat offenses. Enforcement has become stricter in response to ongoing statewide water concerns. Palm Beach County also enforces seasonal fertilizer restrictions (June–September), which can impact your lawn-care strategy by limiting nitrogen applications during the rainy season.
Essential Watering Guidelines
During South Florida’s growing season (May–October), lawns typically need irrigation two to three times per week, applying about ¾ inch each time, ideally between 4:00 and 6:00 AM. Total weekly moisture — including rainfall — should reach 1 to 1½ inches.
In the cooler, drier season (November–April), grass growth slows and most lawns require only one watering per week. Apply the same ¾ inch per cycle, but your total weekly water should rarely exceed one inch.
Signs Your Lawn Needs Water
- Grass blades fold lengthwise to conserve moisture
- Color shifts to a dull bluish-gray
- Footprints remain visible after walking across the lawn
- Grass feels brittle, crispy, or dry to the touch
Why Deep, Infrequent Watering Works
Palm Beach County’s sandy soil holds about one inch of water in the top twelve inches — the same depth where most grass roots grow. A single deep watering saturates this zone without creating waste or runoff. Frequent, light watering leads to shallow roots that struggle in summer heat.
Water early in the morning, before sunrise, when winds are calm and evaporation is minimal. Avoid midday irrigation (most water is lost to evaporation) and evening watering (increases fungal risk).
Seasonal Watering Strategies
Summer (Wet Season)
Warm-season grasses grow vigorously through summer, but rainfall is inconsistent. Some weeks, afternoon storms provide enough moisture; other weeks, particularly in late spring or early fall, you’ll need supplemental irrigation. Always check your rain gauge before turning on your sprinklers.
Overwatering during humid months creates ideal conditions for fungal diseases like gray leaf spot and brown patch. Aim for consistently moist—not constantly wet—soil.
Winter (Dry Season)
Cooler weather slows grass growth, and many warm-season grasses enter semi-dormancy (this doesn’t apply for South Florida/Palm Beach County). This is beneficial, as reduced watering promotes deeper root growth and prevents fungal problems and dollarweed infestations. Allow grass to brown slightly during cool snaps—it will recover quickly when temperatures rise.
Water Conservation Techniques
Measure Your Output
Use the “tuna can test” to measure how much water your sprinklers deliver. Place several cans across one zone, run your system for 15 minutes, and measure the depth. If you collect around 0.2 inches, that zone needs about 55–60 minutes to apply ¾ inch. This simple test also reveals uneven coverage or pressure issues.
Upgrade Your Equipment
- Rain sensors (required by Florida law) can cut irrigation by 15–30% by pausing during or after rainfall.
- Smart controllers adjust schedules automatically based on temperature, humidity, and rainfall data.
- Soil moisture sensors measure ground moisture directly, fine-tuning watering cycles.
Though these systems cost more initially, they often pay for themselves within two to three years through lower water bills.
Landscape for Efficiency
- Replace some turf with drought-tolerant natives like coontie, firebush, and dwarf yaupon holly.
- Maintain 2–3 inches of mulch to retain moisture and reduce irrigation needs by up to 30%.
- Group plants with similar water requirements (hydrozoning) to prevent waste.
Irrigation System Types
Traditional Systems
- Pop-up spray heads: Cover small zones up to 15 feet. Runtime: 30–40 minutes for ¾ inch of water.
- Rotor systems: Cover larger zones up to 40 feet. Runtime: 60–90 minutes for equivalent output.
Drip irrigation excels for beds, shrubs, and palms, applying water directly at the root zone and saving 30–50%. Micro-spray systems work well for mixed areas with lawn and landscape beds.
Inspect systems monthly. Clean or replace clogged nozzles, test rain sensors, and check for leaks or misaligned heads—salt air and sandy debris are common maintenance challenges in Palm Beach County.
Recognizing Watering Problems
Overwatering Signs
- Yellowing, thinning turf that feels soft or spongy
- Persistent wet or muddy patches
- Mushrooms or algae growth
- Increased weeds such as dollarweed and sedges
Drought Stress Signs
- Grass turns dull or grayish
- Blades fold or curl
- Footprints remain after walking
- Turf feels brittle or crunchy underfoot
One deep watering (about ¾ inch) typically restores color in a few days. Chronic drought stress may signal uneven coverage or clogged nozzles.
Preventing Fungal Disease
- Gray leaf spot: Common in St. Augustine during humid summer months.
- Brown patch: Appears in cooler months with excessive watering.
- Dollar spot: Forms small brown patches when moisture is inconsistent.
Water only in early morning hours, ensure good air circulation, and avoid over-fertilizing. Most fungal problems improve once irrigation timing and frequency are corrected.
Maintaining Your Irrigation Equipment
Perform monthly inspections: check spray patterns, clean nozzles, and verify that all heads operate correctly. Test your rain sensor regularly and adjust seasonal programming every few months to reflect changing water needs. Neglecting schedule updates is one of the most common causes of overwatering in winter.
Grass Types and Watering Needs
St. Augustine
St. Augustine is the dominant turfgrass across Palm Beach County, thriving in sandy soils, partial shade, and coastal humidity. While all varieties share similar maintenance requirements, their drought tolerance and shade performance vary. Most lawns perform best with about one inch of water per week, delivered in two to three deep waterings rather than daily cycles. Consistent moisture without saturation helps prevent fungal issues such as gray leaf spot.
Floratam
Floratam is the most common St. Augustine cultivar in South Florida and performs best in full sun. It has excellent drought tolerance and thrives on slightly drier cycles once established. Overwatering Floratam leads to weak roots and increased disease pressure. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. During cooler months, reduce watering to once weekly or less to prevent brown patch fungus.
Palmetto
Palmetto St. Augustine is more shade-tolerant than Floratam and ideal for lawns with mature trees or partial canopy cover. It prefers slightly more consistent soil moisture and should not be allowed to dry as much between waterings. Apply approximately three-quarters of an inch of water when blades start to curl or fade to a bluish tone. Avoid watering at night — Palmetto is more prone to gray leaf spot under prolonged leaf wetness.
CitraBlue
CitraBlue was developed by the University of Florida for superior color retention and disease resistance. It maintains a deep blue-green color even under moderate drought stress. Water deeply but infrequently, roughly once every three to four days during dry spells, and monitor for grayish discoloration as an early sign of stress. Overwatering can reduce its natural resistance to disease, especially during humid, cloudy weeks.
ProVista
ProVista St. Augustine combines dense growth with genetic glyphosate tolerance, making it popular for high-end residential and HOA properties. It requires consistent but moderate watering — typically ¾ to 1 inch per week including rainfall. Because of its dense canopy, poor air circulation can increase humidity at the soil surface; early-morning irrigation is critical. Overwatering or frequent light cycles may promote thatch buildup and disease in this cultivar.
For all St. Augustine types, the key is deep, infrequent irrigation timed to early morning hours. This encourages deeper rooting, reduces fungal pressure, and maintains the rich, uniform color that makes these varieties stand out in South Florida landscapes.
Bermuda
Bermuda grass thrives in full sun and sandy, well-drained soils—perfect for large open lawns, sports areas, and equestrian properties in Palm Beach County. It needs about one inch of water per week, ideally applied in two deep waterings rather than frequent light cycles. Deep, infrequent irrigation strengthens its extensive root system and improves drought resistance.
During winter, Bermuda naturally goes dormant and turns tan; this is normal and temporary. Reduce watering to once every 10–14 days or pause entirely when rainfall is adequate. Overwatering during cool months often leads to fungal issues like spring dead spot.
Because it dries quickly, Bermuda tolerates short droughts well and greens up fast after rain. For best results, irrigate early in the morning, keep mower blades sharp, and avoid evening watering that traps humidity and invites disease.
Zoysia
Zoysia grass offers a lush, fine texture with excellent drought tolerance once established. It requires about ¾ to 1 inch of water per week, applied deeply and infrequently to promote deep rooting. Constant moisture or shallow watering encourages thatch and fungal diseases such as large patch.
New Zoysia lawns need more frequent light watering during the first few weeks until roots develop. After establishment, allow the soil surface to dry slightly between cycles—this helps maintain oxygen balance and prevents root rot.
Water Zoysia early in the morning, avoid daily irrigation, and aerate periodically to improve infiltration in compacted areas. With proper care, it delivers a dense, resilient, and water-efficient lawn suited to South Florida’s climate.
Managing Water Costs
Efficient irrigation can dramatically reduce utility bills. Summer watering may add $100–150 per month, while winter irrigation should fall to $30–60 per month. Avoid watering during or after rainfall, and adjust schedules seasonally to prevent waste.
A rain sensor ($50–100) can save up to $400 annually, while a smart controller ($200–500) typically reduces consumption by 15–30% per year.
Responding to Drought Conditions
During droughts or mandatory restrictions, prioritize mature trees and shrubs over turf. Lawns can survive temporary dormancy and recover later, but trees are far more valuable. Hand watering with a shut-off nozzle is usually permitted and can protect critical plants during restrictions.
DIY vs Professional Maintenance
Homeowners can handle most routine maintenance—cleaning heads, checking patterns, and running the tuna-can test. For electrical issues, pump repairs, or smart controller installation, hire a licensed irrigation professional familiar with Palm Beach County regulations.
Watering for New Sod
New sod in Palm Beach County requires a different approach from established lawns. During the first few weeks, keep the sod and soil consistently moist to help roots knit into the ground. As roots develop, gradually reduce frequency while increasing depth of watering to encourage deeper root growth.
For a detailed week-by-week watering schedule tailored to Florida’s climate, read the full article: How Often to Water New Sod in Florida.
Achieving Year-Round Lawn Health
A healthy, resilient lawn in South Florida depends on more than just timing. Learn to read your turf, adjust seasonally, and water deeply rather than often. Combine smart irrigation technology, native landscape design, and proper mowing height to maintain color, density, and drought tolerance year-round.