Top 5 Sprinkler Mistakes People Make During Florida’s Rainy Season

Lush green lawns are a Florida favorite—but keeping your yard healthy doesn't mean you need to overuse your sprinklers. In fact, during Florida’s rainy season (June through September), most lawns in Brevard County need little or no supplemental watering. Afternoon showers and high humidity provide more than enough moisture.

However, many irrigation systems continue to run on set-it-and-forget-it schedules, often during or after rainstorms. This not only wastes water and money—it contributes to harmful runoff that pollutes the Indian River Lagoon. By fixing common sprinkler mistakes, you can protect the lagoon, comply with Florida law, and make your lawn care routine more efficient.

Mistake #1: Watering During or After a Rainstorm

Why it’s a problem: Florida’s summer rains are frequent and heavy. When sprinklers run while the ground is already saturated, the excess water can’t soak in. Instead, it flows over driveways and sidewalks into storm drains.

Environmental impact: This runoff carries pollutants like fertilizer, pet waste, and grass clippings straight into the Indian River Lagoon—fueling algae blooms and harming seagrass beds that support manatees, fish, and sea turtles.

Fix: Turn off your system or switch to manual mode during summer. Wait at least 24–48 hours after a rainstorm before considering additional irrigation (UF/IFAS, 2020).

Illustration of a raincloud above grass and a rain gauge showing collected water. An arrow labeled “25–48 hours” points to a sprinkler, with a banner reading “Wait to Water After Rain Storms.” A Lagoon Loyal badge is in the corner. — *After a rainstorm, wait at least 24–48 hours before watering your lawn. Overwatering saturated soil leads to runoff—and pollution in the Indian River Lagoon.*

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Mistake #2: Letting Sprinklers Spray Sidewalks, Driveways, or Streets

Why it’s a problem: Overspray doesn’t water your grass—it wastes water and washes debris and chemicals into the storm drain.

Environmental impact: Hard surfaces act like highways for runoff. Any water that misses your lawn carries pollutants directly to local waterways.

Fix: Adjust sprinkler heads to target turf areas only. Use nozzles designed for efficient coverage with minimal drift.

Split illustration comparing a misaligned sprinkler on the left spraying onto pavement with pooling water, and a properly aligned sprinkler on the right watering grass evenly. Labels read “Misaligned” and “Properly Aligned.” — *When sprinkler heads are misaligned, water ends up on pavement—not your lawn—wasting water and sending runoff into storm drains. Aim every drop where it counts.*

Mistake #3: Not Adjusting Timers for the Season

Why it’s a problem: Fixed irrigation schedules don’t account for seasonal rainfall. If your system waters two times a week year-round, it’s likely overwatering in summer and violating once-a-week watering restrictions in the winter.

Environmental impact: Excess water contributes to nutrient runoff and promotes shallow root growth, making lawns less resilient.

Fix: Update your timer each season. During the rainy months, consider turning it off or using smart irrigation controllers that respond to weather conditions (EPA WaterSense, 2023).

Illustration of a man adjusting an outdoor irrigation control panel. Labels on the timer show settings like “Off” and “2x Week.” The text reads “Adjust Your Timer.” — *Set it smart—adjust your irrigation timer each season, or turn it off during rainy months to prevent waste and protect the lagoon.*

Mistake #4: Broken, Tilted, or Misdirected Sprinkler Heads

Why it’s a problem: A single misaligned sprinkler can dump hundreds of gallons of water where it’s not needed.

Environmental impact: Water spraying on streets, fences, or landscaping creates runoff and uneven watering. It can also lead to erosion and pooling near foundations.

Fix: Do a monthly “sprinkler check-up.” Run each zone and inspect for leaks, blockages, or misdirected spray.

Illustration of an older man adjusting a sprinkler head while another nearby sprinkler oversprays onto a sidewalk. The text reads “Adjust Sprinkler Heads.” A Lagoon Loyal badge is in the corner. — *A quick monthly sprinkler check can catch misaligned heads like this—helping you stop runoff, save water, and keep irrigation on target.*

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Mistake #5: No Rain Sensor Installed

Why it’s a problem: Florida law requires that all automatic irrigation systems have a functioning rain sensor to prevent watering during rainfall (Florida Statutes § 373.62).

Environmental impact: Without a sensor, systems may water during a storm—doubling the volume of water running off the property.

Fix: If your system doesn’t have a rain sensor, install one immediately. Most models cost under $30 and can be connected in minutes.

Graphic showing three types of rain sensors: a wired sensor, a wireless sensor, and a smart controller. Each has a label and a checkmark banner that reads “Common Types of Rain Sensors.” — *Rain sensors come in many formats including wired, wireless, and smart controller—each one helps stop unnecessary watering during storms and keeps you compliant with Florida law.*

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Take Action: Inspect, Adjust, Protect

A monthly irrigation check-up takes less than 15 minutes and can save thousands of gallons of water, prevent pollution, and keep you in compliance with local ordinances.

What You Can Do This Week:

Walk your yard during a sprinkler cycle.
Turn off your system during rainy weeks.
Realign or replace damaged sprinkler heads.
Check or install a rain sensor.
Report malfunctioning systems in HOA common areas.

Illustration of a woman kneeling on the grass with a checklist, inspecting sprinkler heads as water sprays from them. The text reads “Do a Monthly Irrigation Check-Up.” — *A quick monthly sprinkler check can catch leaks, misalignment, and waste before they impact your lawn—or the lagoon.*

Why It Matters for the Lagoon

The Indian River Lagoon is home to more than 4,400 species and supports tourism, fishing, and recreation throughout Brevard County. But this fragile ecosystem is highly sensitive to excess nutrients, sediment, and pollutants from stormwater runoff.

Small actions—like fixing a broken sprinkler or turning off the timer before a rainstorm—can make a big collective impact.

References

UF/IFAS Extension. (2020). Watering Your Florida Lawn. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/LH025
U.S. EPA WaterSense. (2023). Outdoor Water Use in the U.S. https://www.epa.gov/watersense/outdoor
Florida Statutes. (2023). 373.62 – Mandatory Installation of Rain Sensors. http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/
St. Johns River Water Management District. (2023). Irrigation Tips. https://www.sjrwmd.com/wateringrestrictions/

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Illustration of a woman kneeling on the grass with a checklist, inspecting sprinkler heads as water sprays from them.