Water-In ApplicationsIt is allowable to “water-in” after an application “during otherwise restricted times” according to the guidelines published at Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD ), Pinellas County ( Pinellas County ) and St Petersburg ( St Petersburg) websites

There are twenty four municipalities in Pinellas County and each have their water restrictions governed by Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Each municipality has somewhat followed the “district” guidelines and various ways to comply with SWFMD in regards to lawn chemical watering-in.

The “district” guideline is:

• If a lawn care or pest control professional is applying chemicals for a property owner, the chemicals may be watered-in during otherwise restricted times. The professional applicator must install a temporary sign indicating the date of application and the date(s) of needed watering-in activity.

Pinellas County guideline is:

• Irrigation to water-in necessary lawn chemicals is not restricted when required by the manufacturer or when required by law. Chemical applications shall be watered during authorized watering hours and on regularly designated irrigation days when possible.

St Petersburg guideline is:

• Watering-in of lawn chemicals is allowed within District guidelines.

With few exceptions, all of my applications are “activated” by watering in and should be watered in 24 – 48 hours after application. In a few rare instances, allowing the chemical to dry on the leaf surface first, aids the chemical.  However to water-in after the chemical has dried on the leaf surface will always be beneficial.

Therefore it is legal and beneficial to water in the lawn spraying application and I encourage all to take advantage of this allowed watering of your lawn.