Cape Coral reminds residents to follow water schedule ahead dry season

Cape Coral is reminding its residents of a mandatory two-day watering schedule for irrigation due to a lack of rainfall as we head towards the dry season.

Ted Topeloski said he had noticed lower water levels in the canal behind his home. “You can clearly see the bottom now,” he said.

While Topeloski has lived in Cape Coral for only a year, he fears what he is seeing is not normal for a canal this time of the year. “This is the lowest I’ve ever seen them,” Topeloski said. “However, it makes me wonder that later on, as the months go by, how much lower it’s going to get.”

City leaders said they share Topeloski’s concern.

Cape Coral says code compliance will be increasing enforcement efforts of the city’s watering schedule during the dry season. Just last week, 83 illegal watering cases were reported, and with the canal levels lower than average for this time of year, conservation is essential.

Steve Angerhofer remembers the last time the water levels in Cape’s canals dropped to record lows. “The canals were so low,” Angerhofer said, “we had a lot of bare ground along the seawalls.”

Angerhofer told WINK News some boats could not even move in the water. As the city continues to enforce the rule, Angerhofer hopes it will help alleviate some of the level issues.

Cape Coral watering schedule

Setting automatic timers to water 20-30 minutes in each zone should provide adequate irrigation for residential lawns. Hand watering also is allowed at any time. Residents who need help setting their timers can call 3-1-1, and the city may be able to assist.

The two-day watering schedule applies to all residents, whether they use the city’s dual-water system or private wells for irrigation. The watering days and hours depend on the last number of the home address.

Here is the two-day schedule in effect year-round for all of Cape Coral:

Monday and Friday: Midnight to 4 a.m. for addresses ending in 0

Monday and Friday: 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for addresses ending in 1

Wednesday and Saturday: Midnight to 4 a.m. for addresses ending in 3 and 5

Wednesday and Saturday:4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for addresses ending in 7 and 9

Thursday and Sunday: Midnight to 4 a.m. for addresses ending in 2 and 4

Thursday and Sunday: 4 a.m. to 8 a.m. for addresses ending in 6 and 8

Non-residential, duplexes and other multi-family units can water on Monday and Friday from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.