Not sure if your DeLand sprinklers are set to the right days and times? A small programming mistake can waste water, stress your lawn, and lead to fines. You want healthy curb appeal without breaking the rules or your budget. This guide shows you the exact local schedule, smart watering amounts, and simple upgrades that keep you compliant and help your lawn thrive. Let’s dive in.
DeLand watering rules at a glance
Who sets the rules
DeLand follows year‑round watering restrictions set by the St. Johns River Water Management District. These rules apply across Volusia County and are enforced locally. Review the official schedule, exceptions, and guidance on the district’s watering restrictions page at the St. Johns River Water Management District website: watering rules and exceptions.
Your allowed days and times
DeLand follows an odd/even address schedule with seasonal changes. Volusia County provides a local summary of the schedule here: watering days in Volusia County.
- Daylight Saving Time (second Sunday in March to first Sunday in November)
- Residential odd addresses: Wednesday and Saturday
- Residential even addresses: Thursday and Sunday
- Nonresidential: Tuesday and Friday
- Eastern Standard Time (first Sunday in November to second Sunday in March)
- Residential odd addresses: Saturday
- Residential even addresses: Sunday
- Nonresidential: Tuesday
Additional rules to know:
- Never water between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Limit irrigation to no more than one hour per zone on an allowed day.
- The district caps irrigation at about 0.75 inch per zone on an allowed day.
Common exceptions
- New landscapes: more frequent watering is allowed during the establishment period. Keep your receipts and follow the timeline allowed by the district.
- Micro‑irrigation and hand‑watering with a shutoff nozzle: commonly allowed any time.
- Watering in chemicals: allowed within a limited window according to district rules.
- Automatic systems must have a working rain sensor or soil‑moisture sensor that prevents watering after rain.
DeLand climate and lawn needs
DeLand averages about 55 inches of rain each year, with most rainfall from late spring through summer. Winters are mild and drier. See local normals for context at the Deland 1 SSE station: DeLand precipitation and temperature. This seasonal pattern is why the schedule allows two days per week in warm months and one day in cool months.
Most area lawns use warm‑season grasses such as St. Augustine, Bahia, Bermuda, or Zoysia. These lawns respond best to deep, infrequent watering with enough time to soak in.
How to water efficiently
Water only when needed
Irrigate only when your lawn shows stress, not just because it is your day. Signs include a bluish‑gray color, folded blades, and footprints that remain after walking across the grass.
How much to apply
For established warm‑season turf, aim for about 0.5 to 0.75 inch per watering event, adjusted for your soil and shade conditions. This aligns with University of Florida guidance on efficient turf irrigation: UF/IFAS turf irrigation recommendations.
Set run times with a quick test
Use a simple “tuna‑can” audit to match minutes to inches:
- Place 6 to 8 straight‑sided cans in one zone.
- Run the zone for a fixed time, then measure and average the water depth in the cans.
- Use that inches‑per‑hour rate to calculate the minutes needed to deliver 0.5 to 0.75 inch. You can follow a step‑by‑step method here: simple irrigation audit for home lawns.
Use cycle and soak
On sandy or compacted areas, split one long run into 2 or 3 shorter cycles with 20 to 40 minutes between cycles. This reduces runoff and improves infiltration. Learn more about the approach from UF/IFAS: cycle and soak guidance.
Maintain and upgrade your system
- Verify a working rain sensor or soil‑moisture sensor on every automatic system.
- Fix leaks and adjust heads to avoid overspray onto pavement.
- Consider a WaterSense‑labeled smart controller that adjusts to weather and season.
- Convert beds and small plantings to drip or micro‑irrigation where practical.
Reclaimed water in DeLand
DeLand operates a reclaimed water system that can reduce potable water use for irrigation and may be scheduled differently from potable or well water. Reclaimed service is generally exempt from the district’s day‑of‑week limits, although the provider can set its own schedules based on supply. Check availability and current guidance with the city: DeLand Reclaimed Water program.
New sod and landscape establishment
Most new plantings are allowed a short establishment period with more frequent watering, typically a 60‑day window with daily watering at first, then every other day. Keep purchase and installation receipts, and follow district instructions for proof if requested.
Compliance and local contacts
If you have questions about penalties or enforcement, remember that local governments implement the district’s rules and may use warnings followed by fines. Florida law authorizes civil penalties for water‑resource violations. For an overview of how compliance works in Florida, see this background from The Florida Bar Journal: water resource compliance and enforcement. For current local procedures and help with reclaimed water or utilities, contact DeLand Utilities or review city resources here: Conservation and efficiency information. You can also confirm the latest watering rules and exceptions with the district: SJRWMD watering restrictions.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Know your odd/even watering days for DST vs. EST, and never water between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Target about 0.5 to 0.75 inch per event, and water only when your lawn shows stress.
- Use a tuna‑can test to set run times for each zone.
- Keep a working rain or soil‑moisture sensor, fix leaks, and stop overspray.
- If available, connect to reclaimed water and confirm any provider schedule.
- Consider a smart controller and drip for shrub or flower beds.
A healthy lawn supports curb appeal and protects our local water resources. If you are preparing to sell or want help prioritizing outdoor upgrades that add value, reach out to Deborah Skyy Saleem for local guidance and a practical plan.
FAQs
What are the current watering days in DeLand?
- Residential odd addresses water Wednesday and Saturday during Daylight Saving Time and Saturday during Eastern Standard Time, while even addresses water Thursday and Sunday during Daylight Saving Time and Sunday during Eastern Standard Time; nonresidential properties water Tuesday and Friday in Daylight Saving Time and Tuesday in Eastern Standard Time.
What times of day can I run my sprinklers in DeLand?
- You cannot irrigate between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on any day, and you must limit watering to no more than one hour per zone on an allowed day.
How much water should I apply to my Florida lawn?
- For established warm‑season turf, apply about 0.5 to 0.75 inch per event, and only when the lawn shows stress such as folded blades or persistent footprints.
How do I set sprinkler run times correctly?
- Use a tuna‑can test to measure your system’s inches per hour, then calculate the minutes needed to deliver 0.5 to 0.75 inch without causing runoff, using cycle and soak if needed.
Can I water new sod more often in DeLand?
- Yes, new landscapes typically have an establishment period that allows more frequent watering for about 60 days, so keep your receipts and follow the district’s instructions.
Does reclaimed water follow the same day restrictions?
- Reclaimed water is generally exempt from the district’s potable and well watering day limits, but the City of DeLand may set its own reclaimed water schedules based on supply, so check with the utility.
