Per Capita Water Use
April 2022 Update
GIWA’s water withdrawal permit issued by Southwest Florida Water Management Distric (SWFWMD) includes a requirement that we reduce our daily average water use per person from an average of 176 gallons s follows:
- Reduce to 164 per gallons per person by December 31, 2014
- Reduce to 150 per gallons per person by December 31, 2019
- Reduce to an average of 147 per gallons per person as of January 28, 2022 (current permit through 2032)
The following is a summary of the usage, population and per capita usage for the last five years:
| Year | Gross Water Use | Functional Population | Compliance Per Capita |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1,108,000 | 6,091 | 160 |
| 2018 | 1,153,000 | 6,092 | 167 |
| 2019 | 1,083,000 | 6,143 | 146 |
| 2020 | 1,060,000 | 6,150 | 132 |
| 2021 | 1,072,000 | 6,254 | 125 |
| 2022 | 1,372,337 | 6,354 | 134 |
Fortunately, we continue to operate within our regulated mandates. The reduction in GIWA’s per capita calculation can be attributed to an increase in daily visitors to the island and additional credits associated with reclaimed water usage. While we were compliant in 2021, we were still close to the required gallons per day per person, so we need the membership to continue to conserve water whenever possible.
How can you help lower our water usage?
Generally, a substantial portion of the water supplied to the island is used for outside purposes (irrigation). To meet our mandatory reduction, the conservation measure that will have the most impact is a reduction in irrigation. If your irrigation zones currently run for forty-five minutes, a 10% reduction reduces the run time by only 4 1/2 minutes.
Based on GIWA’s historical water flows and usage, many members’ irrigation systems run during the rainy season even when the island receives significant rainfall. Installing an automatic rain shutoff device, that turns off sprinkler systems during and after rain showers, helps in the conservation endeavor. These devices allow the irrigation system to return to its normal watering schedule once the sensor dries out. Florida law requires that all automatic sprinkler systems be equipped with a rain shutoff device. This is a simple way to conserve water while saving on your water bill.
Rain sensors should be checked before the onset of the rainy season to ensure they are in working order.
Year-Round Water Conservation Measures
Landscape watering days and times as detailed below:
Charlotte County
- Lawn watering is limited to twice per week (if needed).
- Even numbered addresses may water on Thursday and/or Sunday;
- Odd numbered addresses may water on Wednesday and/or Saturday;
- Landscape watering is allowed before 10 am or after 4 pm on your designated days;
- Hand watering and micro-irrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done on any day and at any time;
Lee County
Restrictions regulated by South Florida Water Management District
- Odd numbered addresses may water on Wednesday and/or Saturday;
- Even numbered address may water on Thursday and/or Sunday;
- Landscape watering is allowed before 9 am or after 5 pm on your designated days;
- Irrigation using low volume methods such as micro-irrigation, and hand watering using a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle may be conducted at any time.
New landscape is allows additional watering but varies by county.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact GIWA at 941-964-2423 or email info@mygiwa.net. You can also find additional information on how to conserve water by visiting SWFWD at www.watermatters.org.