From Sunday, Nov. 1, Melbourne homes water once a week: Saturday for odd addresses, Sunday for even, Tuesday for businesses. Not 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Runs to March 14.

Melbourne lawns go on a once-a-week watering schedule Sunday, Nov. 1, when daylight saving time ends. The winter schedule runs through March 14, 2027, the city announced Wednesday.

The schedule covers sprinklers on city water and private irrigation wells.

Your watering day

Property Watering day
Home address ending in an odd number, or no address Saturday
Home address ending in an even number Sunday
Business and other nonresidential address Tuesday

So even-numbered homes get their first winter watering day this Sunday. Odd-numbered homes water next on Saturday, Nov. 7.

The rules on your day

The city’s notice sets these limits:

  • Hours: water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. only
  • Time: no more than one hour per zone
  • Need: water only when the lawn needs it

The city said a half inch to an inch of rain usually means you can skip that week. A half inch may cover one or two days and an inch up to a week, depending on the soil and recent rain.

Who is exempt

Reclaimed water is not covered by the year-round limits on city water and wells, the city said. Reclaimed customers are still asked to use it carefully. The city’s reclaimed water page has the details.

The St. Johns River Water Management District’s watering restrictions page lists further exceptions:

  • micro-spray, micro-jet, drip and bubbler systems may run at any time
  • hand watering with a hose and a shutoff nozzle is allowed at any time
  • new landscaping may be watered on any day for its first 30 days, then every other day for 30 more days

The district has a Phase III water shortage order in place for several counties to the north. Brevard is not on that list, the district’s page shows.

Why the city is asking

Grass needs less water in cooler months, the city said. Too much water can encourage mold and fungus, weaken roots and invite weeds and insects. Runoff from soaked yards can also carry fertilizer into the Indian River Lagoon.

What it means for you

  • Reset your irrigation timer this weekend to your one day, outside 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Check your sprinkler heads. The city said broken or misaimed heads that spray the street or driveway waste water.
  • Live in West Melbourne, Palm Bay or the beach towns? Check your own city or water utility, or the district’s page, for your schedule.
  • Questions: City Hall at 321-608-7000 or City.Hall@mlbfl.org. Our who to call at City Hall page lists the departments.