The Southwest Florida Water Management District is reminding residents who irrigate their lawns to skip a week—or more—of watering during the months of January and February. According to research by the University of Florida, grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during these cooler months; one-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days is sufficient. If a lawn has received significant rainfall, residents can turn off their irrigation systems and operate them manually on an as-needed basis. Watering only every other week during the winter will help conserve drinking water supplies that the public needs for critical uses during the dry season.

Residents can determine when grass needs water when grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of the yard; grass blades appear blue-gray; or grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.