GAZETTE JULY 2021
MESSAGE FROM THE TOWN MANAGER As the summer heats up, many of us will be looking to escape the heat by visiting the Community Center pools or the beach. In Surfside, we’re surrounded by water. It is both a natural resource and a privilege, and in keeping with last month’s theme, we’re looking at a different water topic that impacts all Miami-Dade County residents. Did you know that the County has a year-round water conservation restriction that apply to all users of any water source, including public utilities and private wells? To help preserve and conserve our water supply, the County restricts lawn watering to two days per week, for businesses and residents. Odd-numbered houses are permitted to water their lawns on Wednesdays and Saturdays and even-numbered houses may water their lawns on Thursdays and Sundays before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. The County offers free irrigation system evaluations and administers a rebate program for single-family homeowners, condo associations and commercial properties with in-ground irrigation systems. For more on the Landscape Irrigation Rebate Program, visit miamidade.gov/waterconservation. In addition to the water conservation efforts, Surfside and the County have implemented policies to help keep our waterways free of harmful runoff from fertilizer application. During our rainiest period, May 15 to October 31, the use of nitrogen and phosphorous fertilizer is prohibited. Fertilizer may not be used within 20 feet of any body of water, canal, stormwater drain, Biscayne Bay or from the top of a seawall or bulkhead. By taking these precautions, we save on our water bills and protect our precious waterways by preventing algae blooms and fishkills that often result from the overuse of chemicals and fertilizers. - Andrew Hyatt, Town Manager