If you have a lawn in Orlando, OUC’s irrigation restrictions are a fact of life. The year-round odd/even scheduling, the restricted watering hours, and the seasonal day limits create a real management challenge for keeping St. Augustine and Bahia grass healthy through Florida’s dry season.
The good news is that working within OUC restrictions does not mean accepting a stressed lawn. The right irrigation system design, smart controller technology, and an understanding of how much water your grass actually needs can keep your Orange County lawn in excellent condition on the permitted watering schedule.
Understanding OUC’s Irrigation Schedule
OUC enforces the St. Johns River Water Management District’s mandatory watering restrictions for the City of Orlando and portions of Orange County. The schedule shifts with the clock change:
Daylight Saving Time (March through November): Two days per week. Odd-numbered addresses water Wednesday and Saturday. Even-numbered addresses water Thursday and Sunday. Non-residential properties water Tuesday and Friday.
Eastern Standard Time (November through March): One day per week. Odd-numbered addresses water Saturday. Even-numbered addresses water Sunday. Non-residential properties water Friday.
All irrigation must occur before 10am or after 4pm. Each zone is limited to one hour maximum per watering day. These restrictions apply to all water sources including private wells and pumps.
Fines and Enforcement
Orange County enforces watering restrictions through its Water Watch program. A first violation receives a warning. Each subsequent violation carries a $25 fine. Violations are documented with photographs and delivered via door hanger followed by a letter. You have 30 days to appeal a violation. Orange County Utilities will send a technician to your property at no charge to help reset your irrigation timer if needed — call (407) 254-9845 to schedule.
How Much Water Does Your Orlando Lawn Actually Need?
St. Augustine grass in Orlando needs approximately 0.5 to 0.75 inches of water per week during the dry season. On two permitted watering days, that means 0.25 to 0.375 inches per session — achievable with a properly calibrated irrigation system in 20 to 30 minutes per zone depending on head spacing and precipitation rate. Many homeowners run their systems significantly longer than necessary, wasting water and creating conditions favorable to fungal disease.
During the rainy season from June through September, supplemental irrigation is often unnecessary. Orlando averages over 50 inches of rainfall per year, with the majority falling during these months. A functioning rain sensor should prevent your system from running during and after rain events — and Florida law requires all automatic irrigation systems to have one.
Smart Controllers: The Best Investment
A WiFi-enabled smart irrigation controller is the single most effective upgrade for managing water efficiently under OUC restrictions. Smart controllers adjust watering duration automatically based on local weather data, soil moisture readings, and evapotranspiration rates. They skip irrigation when rain is expected and extend run times during dry spells — all within your permitted watering days.
OUC offers rebates of up to $200 for the purchase and installation of EPA WaterSense-labeled smart controllers. The rebate is available to OUC potable water customers with in-ground irrigation systems. Between the rebate and the water savings, most smart controller upgrades pay for themselves within the first year.
Rain Sensors: Required by Law
Florida law requires all automatic sprinkler systems to have a functioning rain sensor or soil moisture sensor. Rain sensors interrupt the irrigation cycle when a pre-set amount of rainfall has occurred, preventing your system from watering in the rain and wasting water. Test your rain sensor at least once per year. Orange County Utilities Water Division provides free replacement rain sensors to qualifying customers.
New Sod Exception
If you have recently installed new sod or landscaping, you may water on any day at any time for the first 30 days after installation, and then every other day for the next 30 days. This exception applies only to the specific area where the new sod or landscaping is located. You must provide Orange County Utilities with your name, phone number, address, and receipts for sod or landscape purchases to avoid receiving a violation during the establishment period.
For professional irrigation design, repair, and smart controller installation in Orlando, contact Orlando Pro Landscape at (407) 555-0100.
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