• Obtain several (five to 10) coffee cans, tuna fish cans, or other straight-sided containers to catch the irrigation water. Containers three to six inches in diameter work best.
• If you have an in-ground system, place the containers in one zone at a time.
• Scatter the cans at random within the zone.
• Repeat the entire procedure in every zone.  There may be differences in irrigation rates.
  • If you use a hose-end sprinkler to water your turf, place the containers in a straight line from the sprinkler to the edge of the watering pattern.
  • Space the containers evenly.
• Turn the water on for 15 minutes.
• Use a ruler to measure the depth of water in each container.
  • Note: The more precise the measurement, the better your calibration will be. For most cases, measurements to the nearest 1/8-inch are adequate.
• Find the average depth of water collected in the containers (add up the depths and then divide by the number of containers).
• To determine the irrigation rate in inches per hour, multiply the average depth of water times four.

Once you know your sprinkler system irrigation rate, and you have calibrated your system, you can more efficiently apply water to your turf.

• Use the turf watering table as a guide for sprinkler times.
• For example, if the sprinkler system applies water at the rate of two inches per hour and you wish to apply three-quarter inches of water, then you would need to run your sprinklers for about 23 minutes.

More tips to efficiently apply water to your landscaping and turf

• Try to calibrate the sprinkler system during the same time the system is normally run, so that water pressures are similar.
• Low water pressure can significantly reduce the amount and coverage of water applied by a sprinkler system.
• Application rates normally should not exceed ¾ inch of water per irrigation.
• Most time clocks can be adjusted for accurate time settings. Consult your local sprinkler company for details.
• If you use a hose-end sprinkler, a mechanical timer and shut-off switch that attaches to the faucet will help make watering more efficient.
• Avoid mixing sprinkler head types. Mist heads apply more water than impact heads. Match sprinkler heads for uniform coverage.
• For more specific information on turf irrigation, contact Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000 and ask for the Extension bulletin, Watering Your Florida Lawn.
• Check the sprinkler system frequently. Replace broken sprinkler heads, clear clogged nozzles, and adjust the direction of spray.
• Use water efficiently; do not waste it.
• Sarasota County Ordinance No. 2006-053 requires all automatic lawn sprinkler systems to have an automatic rain sensor device or switch installed and in operating order. Failure to have a functional automatic rain sensor device or switch is enforceable by Sarasota County code enforcement officers and can result in a civil penalty of up to $500.

Section 10 of Sarasota County Ordinance No. 2006-053 establishes the following penalties for watering violations:

Warning notice: no civil penalty
First offense: $100
Second offense: $300*
Third offense: $500**
* Within 12 months from date of first offense
** Within 12 months from date of second offense

An additional $100 fine, per occurrence, will be charged for operating an automatic irrigation system without a functioning shut-off device.

Violation of these restrictions is enforceable by Sarasota County Code Enforcement Officers per Resolution No. 2000-307 and can result in civil penalties up to $500. Should you need more information on the watering restrictions, you may contact Environmental Services or call the Southwest Florida Water Management District at their toll-free number: 1-800-423-1476 (FL only).

en Espanol (Spanish): 941-861-6734

Utilities Call Center: 941-861-6790

TTY/TDD: 941-861-0620

Fax: 941-861-0603  or  941-861-6780