FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Punta Gorda Returns to Once-Per-Week Watering Opportunities

PUNTA GORDA, FL — The City of Punta Gorda is implementing once per week watering restrictions in accordance with the newly adopted Chapter 17 Code of Ordinances. These restrictions are necessary while the Shell Creek Water Treatment Plant’s withdrawal from the Shell Creek Reservoir is impacted by meeting the Block 1 conditions of the Minimum Flows and Levels (MFL) restrictions.

These restrictions are most commonly needed during the dry season, typically from late fall through early summer. Shell Creek often experiences its lowest flows between December and June, with the greatest impacts usually occurring from February through May. Conditions generally improve once the summer rains return.

During this period, the City urges all residents and businesses to make every effort to conserve water. Irrigation is now limited to one day per week and is prohibited between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. These restrictions will remain in effect until conditions allow a return to the normal irrigation schedule. City staff will be actively enforcing these restrictions to help protect our drinking water supply.

Residents can find the full irrigation schedule and address-based watering days at the following link:

https://www.ci.punta-gorda.fl.us/residents/code-compliance/water-restrictions

The City sincerely thanks residents for doing their part to protect our limited and valuable water resources, and for helping to preserve the Shell Creek system during this sensitive period. Your continued cooperation is essential in keeping our community resilient.

For questions or additional information, please contact the Punta Gorda Utilities Office at 941-575-3339.

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