The effectiveness of water irrigation policies for residential turfgrass

Turfgrass irrigation policies have been implemented in various regions of the U.S. to reduce domestic water consumption. Mandatory restrictions are often enforced by issuing citations to violators with the intent to promote compliance and deter violations. This study provides a detailed investigation of past water restrictions and compliance, and attempts to determine which factors are related to high rates of water usage within communities of Tampa, FL. The adjusted rainfall rate had the most significant relationship with water usage in the communities under study. Water usage increased in each examined community after it transitioned to more stringent water usage restrictions, with cited restriction violators increasing usage to a greater extent than their uncited counterparts. This increase may primarily be attributed to conflicts between the local water consumption policy and binding homeowner association rules. When the once-a-week usage restriction was in place, the area faced drought conditions. Therefore, homeowners irrigated more to meet the water needs of their lawns despite the restrictions imposed on them by their local government.

► We examined turfgrass irrigation policy and its effectiveness within selected communities in Tampa, FL.
► The factor with the most significant relationship to water usage was adjusted rainfall.
► Stringent irrigation policies were not effective at reducing water consumption due to drought conditions.
► Cited homes did not decrease water consumption after receiving citations.