March 2025 – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly About Irrigation and Overwatering in Viera

Recently, we received a press release from the St. Johns River Water Management District reminding our community of the watering restrictions in place through November 2, 2025. They also included a useful handout that you can download here. Many of us have Brevard County reclaimed water as our irrigation source. While my article this month largely speaks to reclaimed as a source, there are other water sources, such as irrigation wells and surface water, in Viera as well. For all other sources other then reclaimed, here are the general watering restriction guidelines published by the St. Johns River Water Management District:

• • Homes with odd-numbered or no addresses: Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Homes with even-numbered addresses: Thursday and Sunday.
  • Nonresidential properties: Tuesday and Friday.
  • Watering hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is prohibited to reduce evaporation and enhance soil absorption.
  • Watering time: Limited to one hour per zone.
  • Coverage: These restrictions apply to all water sources, including private wells and pumps, ground or surface water, and water from public and private utilities. It does not apply to residents or businesses that use reclaimed water to irrigate.
  • These restrictions will remain in effect until Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

The Hidden Cost of Overwatering: How Misuse of Reclaimed Water is Hurting Our Landscapes

As we shift into the warmer months, many Brevard residents are increasing their irrigation schedules. Most homeowners are mindful of conserving water and are aware of watering restrictions, but there’s one big exception: reclaimed water users. Since there are no official restrictions on reclaimed water use, an “honor system” is in place, and unfortunately, that system is failing.

The widespread overuse of reclaimed water is not just an issue of waste – it’s actively damaging our landscapes and infrastructure. Excess irrigation leads to runoff, flooding roads and sidewalks, and paradoxically, it makes our lawns less resilient over time.

Overwatering and Infrastructure Damage

When irrigation systems run excessively, especially with reclaimed water, it doesn’t just disappear into the soil. Much of it spills onto sidewalks, roads, and driveways, leading to algae growth, premature pavement deterioration, and even hazardous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. We are currently dealing was massive overwatering in a couple of communities that are harming our CVCA sidewalks and trails. And, if you are someone who walks these trails, you can really see what it is doing – they are stained, dark, and often wet, which creates a dangerous situation. The answer is NOT installing drains to combat the overwatering, the answer is to STOP the overwatering.

Reclaimed water is often high in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which promote algae growth on concrete surfaces, making them slippery and unsightly. Beyond that, excessive water runoff can seep into the foundation of roads, weakening their structure over time and increasing maintenance costs for either Brevard County or your HOA (which also means YOU!). I remember one HOA meeting in particular where I recommended updating the covenants to include the restricted watering schedule published by the St. Johns River Water Management District but also including these same restrictions for reclaimed water. One board member stated that no one was going to tell them when they can and cannot water their lawn. Wow. This is the problem with irrigation in Viera. The attitudes that people take toward our state’s water resources, which are limited.

The Paradox of Overwatering: Making Turf More Dependent on Water

Many people assume that more water equals a healthier lawn. In reality, the opposite is often true. Overwatering discourages deep root growth, conditioning grass to become more dependent on frequent irrigation.

Research has shown that turfgrass with frequent shallow watering develops weak, surface-level roots, making it highly susceptible to disease and drought stress. According to a study by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), lawns that receive excessive irrigation develop a shallow root system, making them less able to access water stored deeper in the soil during dry periods. Instead of becoming more drought-tolerant, the grass becomes more reliant on irrigation, creating a vicious cycle. This problem is especially relevant in Florida, where seasonal droughts are common. A well-maintained lawn should be trained to survive with minimal irrigation by encouraging deep root growth – something that is impossible when overwatering occurs. If you are a research geek and want to read about the science behind irrigation recommendation, check this out: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/AE436. If you want an abbreviated version, read this: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH025.

The Solution: Smarter Irrigation Practices

While reclaimed water is exempt from watering restrictions, that doesn’t mean it should be used without caution. Here’s how we can all do our part to reduce overwatering:

1. 1. Follow the “Signs of Stress” Rule – Water your lawn only when necessary. Signs of drought stress include grass blades folding lengthwise, a bluish-gray hue, and footprints remaining on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.
   2. Adjust Irrigation Timers Seasonally – Lawns need far less water in cooler months. Set your system to run less frequently or turn it off when there’s sufficient rainfall.
   3. Check for Runoff and Overspray – If you see water running into the street or pooling on sidewalks, adjust your irrigation system.
   4. Use Smart Irrigation Technology – Many modern irrigation controllers can adjust watering based on real-time weather conditions, preventing unnecessary watering.
   5. Encourage Deep Root Growth – Water less frequently but more deeply to promote stronger, more drought-resistant turf.
   6. Schedule Regular Professional Checkups – Daylight Saving Time start and stop are a great opportunities and reminders to hire a professional irrigation specialist for a system checkup. Have them check to make sure your irrigation heads are popping up, working properly, and spraying where you want them to.  Have them check your timers to make sure you are watering as recommended. An efficient irrigation system is one the best ways to conserve water.

Just because you can water with reclaimed water any time you want doesn’t mean you should. Overwatering is causing widespread problems, from infrastructure damage to weaker, less drought-resistant turf. If we want to protect our landscapes – and our community’s water resources – we must be more intentional with our irrigation practices. The honor system only works when we all do our part. Let’s water smarter and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for our community. I know that the vast majority of Viera residents are concerned about water and our future water supply. But, it will take each and every one of us doing our part to make a difference, now and in the future.

So, until next time, evaluate your irrigation activities and remember, “We never know the worth of water till the well is dry.” – Thomas Fuller

Eva M. Rey, President
Central Viera Community Association, Inc.