Reclaimed Water Conservation Schedule - Nocatee

JEA supplements our reclaimed water with potable water, so mandatory watering restrictions are in place in accordance with the guidelines set by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD).

Watering exceptions and restrictions are set and enforced by the St. Johns River Water Management District. For detailed information, please visit their website.

In 2024, JEA faced a variety of challenges in meeting reclaimed water demand and maintaining adequate pressure, particularly in the Nocatee communities in Duval and St. Johns counties.

JEA examined the issues that caused pressure challenges and created the schedule with the dual goals of promoting water sustainability and enhancing customer experience in accessing the reclaimed water they need for seasonal irrigation.

Addressing the pressure issues you’ve experienced with reclaimed water is one of the main reasons JEA implemented the Reclaimed Water Conservation Schedule. The schedule aims to improve overall pressure and reduce the time required to refill tanks and reservoirs to support system reliability.

We’ve observed that many customers are still watering during restricted hours — between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — which is not allowed under St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) guidelines, even on watering days. Daytime watering is wasteful — most water evaporates before it can soak in.

The new schedule is designed to improve overall pressure and reduce the time needed to refill tanks and reservoirs to support system reliability. While it will take time for all customers to adjust and for JEA to fully optimize the system, we expect to see improvements as more people follow the designated watering days and times.

In addition, JEA is working with the Tolomato CDD and neighborhood irrigation and landscaping contractors to stagger watering times across subdivisions. This coordinated effort helps distribute demand more evenly and minimize pressure issues during times of peak demand.

Nearly 11,000 Nocatee reclaimed water customers in the Nocatee area, both residential and commercial, are on the schedule.  However, some Nocatee customers will not be included in the schedule. These customers and JEA reclaimed water customers outside of Nocatee should continue to adhere to watering guidelines set forth by the SJRWMD.

Yes. Customers using reclaimed water and potable water for irrigation are included in the watering zones and should follow the watering schedule for each zone.

JEA contacts customers annually by email, direct mail, and other methods with information about their designated zone. You can also enter your address in the watering zone map on this page to find your zone.

For optimal water pressure and to support your lawn's health, we suggest watering between 12 a.m. and 10 a.m. on your scheduled days. Watering during cooler morning hours also helps minimize water loss through evaporation.

It’s important that you set up and test your irrigation system to operate during the exact same time period you plan to water your lawn. This ensures the water pressure remains consistent with what your system will actually experience, improving coverage and efficiency.

The SJRWMD allows additional watering days for new landscaping. Visit SJRWMD to learn more. 

JEA is working directly with HOA and CDD landscapers and irrigation contractors to modify watering schedules for common areas. These changes help control water pressure across the community and improve system efficiency for all customers.

JEA typically fills its reclaimed water reservoirs and ponds during the late-evening and daytime hours. This helps us prepare for peak usage times.

If too many customers water during these refill periods, it can lead to reduced pressure. To help maintain system performance, please avoid watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., in accordance with SJRWMD guidelines.

JEA has proposed several projects to improve the availability of reclaimed water to southern Duval and St. Johns counties, including the Nocatee community.

Learn more about these projects and other JEA capital projects.

JEA is not the first Florida municipal utility to make changes to watering restrictions. The City of Tampa has implemented year-round one-day-per-week restrictions, and the City of Oviedo in Seminole County follows a modified reclaimed water schedule. 

WaterSense® labeled smart irrigation controllers can save you roughly 15,000 gallons annually. JEA offers a $150 rebate on the purchase of eligible controllers. Learn more.