ODD/EVEN IRRIGATION RESTRICTIONS – EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY AND UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The very dry conditions in the area have resulted in higher than normal-elevated use of our water system.  It is imperative that we maintain adequate storage and pressure for all persons and especially adequacy for fire suppression.  This issuance is not to be taken lightly. This happens even in large systems during dry periods.

Houses ending in odd numbers can water starting at 9pm on odd days through 5am the following morning.

Houses ending in even numbers (including 0) can water starting at 9pm on even days through 5am the following morning. 

Please remind your neighbors and anyone you see using irrigation during the period of 5am to 9pm as this is NOT permitted per the bylaws Section 7.6(k) even under normal weather conditions.  It reads as follows:

The only exemption to this rule is for new houses with new lawns that are getting established.  These new construction houses are allowed to irrigate up to 3x daily until the lawn is established but then must immediately start following the odd/even schedule along with watering scheduled times.

If the situation does not improve and residents do not actively comply with this order, we will be forced to start issuing fines.  There will be no warning letter, this email serves as everyone’s warning letter to comply with watering times.

We cannot stress the seriousness of the issue enough, please consider the health and safety of your neighbors as more important than your lawns.  Please address any questions to the HOA email (hoa@saddleridgerockford.com). 

Below are some preemptive questions and answers:

Q:  How long will this odd/even schedule be in effect?

A:  Until further notice, but plan for this to be in effect for the rest of the summer.

Q:  Why is the water system so stressed?

A:  The neighborhood has been built out and the demand for water has increased along with the unusually dry weather we have been having has increased demand to capacity.

Q: Is this the school’s fault?

A:  No, the school is not using our water yet.   

Q:  Why can’t the water pumps keep up?

A:  These last few weeks, the water system is supplying 450-550 gpm to the community during peak hours, but the current well pumps can only fill at a rate of 380 gpm.  If everyone follows the irrigation schedule, we will keep the demand under 380 gpm.

Q:  Will this problem ever be fixed?

A:  YES; the high flow green sand filter material has already been installed into our water system and installation of the upgraded well pumps is scheduled to be completed in September 2023.  Once these new wells are installed, they have the increased capacity to handle the neighborhood demand as well as the future school demand.

Q:  I am worried about my lawn, will the grass die?

A:  NO; based on research, watering every other day will make the lawns more drought resistant.  Turf professionals only recommend watering 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a week as best practice.

Q:  What happens if residents don’t follow the schedule and continue to pull over capacity?

A:  If the water level in the tank gets too low, it could cause the booster pumps to cavitate and fail.  This could put the community out of water or only limited water for an extended period.