Sanibel • Lee County
Irrigation in Sanibel, FL
Sanibel has its own year-round irrigation ordinance on top of South Florida Water Management District rules. The version adopted in 2020 assigns two watering days a week by address, bars irrigation in the middle of the day, allows extra watering for a set period after new landscaping goes in, and excludes low-volume devices, which is one reason drip suits Sanibel beds. Most of the island's drinking water comes from Island Water Association, whose reverse osmosis plant needed repairs in 2024; the utility asked members to follow the irrigation schedule strictly and fix leaks quickly. The city's Natural Resources Department also notes that native plants, once established in the right place, need no supplemental irrigation, so a well-planned Sanibel system often waters lawn and new plantings and leaves mature native beds alone. Hodges designs separate zones, runs drip to shrubs, and programs the controller to the current schedule.
or call (239) 301-9455
Where it comes up in Sanibel
Gulf Pines
Santiva
Shell Harbor
Plants and materials that suit it in Sanibel
- Coontie
- Firebush
- Cocoplum
- Simpson's stopper
- Drip lines for beds
- Smart controller with rain shutoff
Questions
Which days can I water on Sanibel?
The city assigns two days a week based on whether your address is odd or even, with a daytime ban. Schedules can change during water shortages, so check the City of Sanibel or Island Water Association for the current days before setting a controller.
Do drip lines follow the same restrictions?
The city's 2020 ordinance excluded low-volume devices from the watering-day limits, which makes drip a good fit for beds and shrubs. Confirm the current wording with the city, since rules are updated over time.
Will my native plants need irrigation forever?
According to the city, native plants placed in the right spot need no supplemental irrigation once established. Many owners keep drip on new plantings for a while, then shut those zones off and water only the lawn.