Water usage hits record level in April for GIWA

While the rainy season has not fully arrived, the little bit of rain last week helped the situation with water supplies on Gasparilla Island, as irrigation has put the system to the test.

“Water is exceeding demand,” said Ron Bolton, executive director of the Gasparilla Island Water Association. “We are back to normal, on the high side.”

Last month, the utility had a recent record of water use, the result of drought conditions in Southwest Florida. The high potable water demands had been experienced since March. 

In April, the utility sold about 44 million gallons. The previous month, March, which was not a slow month, was 33.5 million. March of 2024 was 27.6 million gallons.

“The rain is the biggest indicator of water consumption,” said Bolton.

Boca Grande water comes from a well in Rotonda. But When the utility needs extra water, they have a bulk purchase agreement from Charlotte County, which uses Peace River surface water.

The weekend of May 25, GIWA was forced to cut water pressure in the system to make up for high usage at a time when supplies were declining.

A significant amount of that usage was for landcape irrigation, particularly from large users.

At the time, GIWA asked for all members to check sprinkler timers and swimming pool fillers and adjust accordingly “so that we do not need to implement any further restrictions.” There was a 30 percent chance of running out of water entirely, such was the demand.

Watering rules

There are different rules for watering in the two counties on Gasparilla Island.

• Charlotte County limits water to twice a week, even addresses on Thursday and Sunday, and odd addresses on Wednesday or Saturday. Hand watering may be done at any time. Watering must be before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

• Lee County, under SFWMD guidance and with its own ordinance, allows watering at even addresses on Thursday and/or Sunday, and odd addresses on Wednesday and/or Saturday. Landscape watering must be before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.