Lakewood Ranch uses record amount of water. And it could cost plenty

Even though meteorologists were predicting a 60 percent chance of rain for the Bradenton area Tuesday, Lakewood Ranch supervisors were certain that some homeowners would be running their sprinklers as if the area were still in a drought.

Some even run their sprinklers during the day or during a heavy rainstorm.

Steve Zielinski, chief financial officer at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, called the record water usage shocking, carrying a real financial cost.

“It’s the highest usage we’ve ever seen by 33 percent over the previous record,” Zielinski said during the Inter-District Authority meeting Tuesday morning.

The previous usage record was set in December, when Braden River Utilities billed Lakewood Ranch for 161 million gallons, he said.

In May, that soared to 213 million gallons.

Not only is unnecessary watering a waste of a valuable natural resource, but it could create a budget shortfall of $75,000 to $90,000, Zielinski said.

That got the attention of supervisors responsible for town hall operations.

“With all the rain, it might be prudent to turn off irrigation systems,” supervisor Nancy Johnson said.

Chairman Tom Green said he doesn’t believe residents know how costly excessive water use can be, nor that the cost is ultimately passed along to them.

“I was on the golf course Sunday and saw violations,” Green said.

Paul Chetlain, director of operations for Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, said 3.5 inches of rain were recorded in the last week of May, and so far in June, 6 inches of rain have been recorded.

With all the rain, Lakewood Ranch has shut down its irrigation system since May. “It’s a game changer for us,” Chetlain said.

In other business Tuesday:

• Anne Ross, executive director of Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, said she is trying to schedule a combined meeting of Lakewood Ranch district supervisors in July to discuss small cell technology, and options available to improve the area’s poor cell phone coverage. Ross has been working with a consultant to develop a game plan for introducing low wattage cell towers. Sarasota-based USA Groups was the first to appear before supervisors seeking to provide the service. Supervisors say they receive frequent complaints from residents about the poor cell phone service.
• Supervisors authorized Ross to pursue a contract for an off-the-shelf software package to speed up response to residents for modification requests to the exterior of their homes and for violation of homeowner association rules. Ross will bring the contract to supervisors during a continuation of Tuesday’s meeting at 9 a.m. June 22. The estimated cost of the contract is $20,000.

This story was originally published June 13, 2017 at 1:09 PM with the headline "Lakewood Ranch uses record amount of water. And it could cost plenty."