Reclaimed Water and Irrigation Tips for Lighthouse Point Yards

Are you trying to keep a healthy Lighthouse Point lawn while juggling watering rules and rising utility bills? You are not alone. Many homeowners are switching to reclaimed water to save money and stress less about day‑of‑week limits. In this guide, you will learn how reclaimed water works locally, who supplies it, the rules you must follow, and practical irrigation tips for coastal yards. Let’s dive in.

Reclaimed water basics

Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater used for irrigation and other non‑potable needs. It runs in a separate “purple pipe” system and includes safeguards to prevent mixing with drinking water. It is not for drinking. Florida programs require strict cross‑connection control, color coding, and ongoing inspections to protect public health and water systems, which you can review in the state’s guidance on cross‑connection control from the Florida DEP.

• Learn more about safety and color‑coding in the Florida DEP’s cross‑connection control guidance: Florida DEP cross‑connection control

Where Lighthouse Point gets reuse

Who supplies reclaimed water

Parts of southern Lighthouse Point are served by Pompano Beach’s OASIS program, which has connected eligible single‑family homes through its I Can Water initiative. Check program details here: Pompano Beach OASIS / I Can Water.

Broward County Water & Wastewater Services has presented plans to expand reclaimed service into other areas of Lighthouse Point. Local reporting described phases and potential mandatory connection policies once lines are active. For background, see this summary: Broward County reclaimed expansion overview.

How to check eligibility and connect

• Contact your utility to confirm service availability for your street.
• If you are in the OASIS area, ask for application steps and required forms.
• If you are in a Broward County service area, review customer guidance and any notices about reclaimed availability: Broward WWS reclaimed customer page.
• Keep in mind that some ordinances require connection when reclaimed service becomes available to a property with irrigation.

Rules and safety you must follow

Broward watering schedule

Broward County enforces year‑round irrigation restrictions. For potable water, watering is limited to specific days and times based on odd or even addresses. If you irrigate with reclaimed water, you can water any day, but only before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Always confirm your exact allowances here: Broward irrigation restrictions.

SFWMD regional guidance

The South Florida Water Management District exempts reclaimed water from day‑of‑week limits. The District recommends about 1.0 to 1.5 inches of water per week in summer, less in winter, and encourages catch‑can testing and seasonal controller adjustments. Review tips and allowances here: SFWMD landscape irrigation guidance.

Cross‑connection and backflow

You must keep reclaimed and potable systems completely separate. Backflow prevention devices are required and must be tested and documented regularly. See testing requirements and certification steps here: Broward backflow certification and review state cross‑connection guidance: Florida DEP cross‑connection control.

Smart irrigation for coastal yards

Set your controller correctly

• Water during the allowed windows to reduce evaporation. Early morning is ideal.
• Target roughly 1.0 to 1.5 inches per week in summer. Use a catch‑can test to dial in zone run times.
• Use “cycle and soak” on sandy soils. Short back‑to‑back cycles with a pause help water absorb and reduce runoff.
• Adjust seasonally. Cut back during cooler months and after good rainfall.

For run‑time targets and testing methods, see SFWMD landscape irrigation guidance.

Upgrade your hardware

• Consider a smart controller with weather or soil‑moisture sensors to prevent overwatering. Many local rules recognize these devices.
• Use rotary nozzles for large turf areas and drip or microirrigation for beds to improve uniformity.
• Maintain your system. Fix leaks, replace broken heads, and aim spray away from sidewalks, streets, seawalls, and storm drains. Keep backflow tests current.

Choose plants and design that sip water

• Favor Florida‑friendly and salt‑tolerant plants that thrive in coastal conditions.
• Reduce turf where practical and expand mulched or native groundcover areas to lower irrigation demand.
• Use drip for shrubs and trees for precise watering. Explore plant ideas through Broward’s NatureScape program: Broward NatureScape native plants.

Fertilizer and watering‑in

There are limited exceptions for watering‑in fertilizers and certain treatments. Follow product labels and local rules. You can review the District’s rule language here: Florida Administrative Code 40E‑24.201.

Resiliency and your property

Lighthouse Point participates in regional resiliency planning focused on sea‑level rise and saltwater intrusion. Choosing salt‑tolerant plants and efficient irrigation can help your yard perform better in coastal conditions. Learn more about local efforts: Lighthouse Point resiliency.

Ready to explore homes already connected to reclaimed water or prep your property for market with a smarter irrigation plan? Reach out to Matthew Heinz for local guidance tailored to Lighthouse Point and surrounding Broward neighborhoods.

FAQs

How do I know if my Lighthouse Point home can get reclaimed water?

• Check with Pompano Beach’s OASIS program for southern areas and review Broward County WWS reclaimed customer resources to confirm if lines are on your street.

Do I have to connect if reclaimed becomes available?

• Some ordinances require connection for properties with irrigation once service is available after a notice period. Verify requirements tied to your parcel and utility notice.

What are the watering hours for reclaimed water in Broward?

• Reclaimed irrigation is typically allowed any day, but only before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Always confirm current hours with your utility and county page.

Is reclaimed water safe for lawns and landscaping?

• Yes, it is disinfected for irrigation and other non‑potable uses, with strict cross‑connection protections. It should never be consumed by people or pets.

How much should I water in summer here?

• Aim for about 1.0 to 1.5 inches per week across your zones, using short cycles for sandy soils and adjusting seasonally based on weather and plant needs.