You Can Conserve Water!

Did you know that when you turn on the tap or sprinkler, you are using the same groundwater that replenishes our springs and rivers? So the more we use, the less there is leftover for nature.

Almost 60% of residential water use can occur outdoors- so it is a good place to start looking at our habits...

  • Replace turf with native drought tolerant vegetation
  • Group plants according to their water needs
  • Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds
  • Raise your lawnmower blade (never cut more than the top 1/3)
  • Collect rainwater in rain barrels and cisterns for irrigation uses 

If you MUST irrigate

  • Use micro irrigation instead of sprinklers and hoses
  • Install and maintain your automatic sprinkler rainfall shut off device
  • Water in the early morning
  • Make sure your watering system is operating properly and not leaking
  • Turf and mulched beds should be on different irrigation zones
  • Use a timer to remind yourself to shut off sprinklers not on a timer

Fixing leaks and replacing old plumbing fixtures indoors with water saving ones can save a family of four up to 30,000 gallons of water each year!

  • Find out if you have a leak by monitoring your meter before and after a two hour period when no water is being used
  • Repair dripping faucets and toilets
  • Run automatic dishwashers only when they are full
  • Collect soapy water in the sink to wash dishes, instead of letting the water run
  • Set your clothes washer to the appropriate water level for the size of the load you are washing
  • Keep your showers under 5 minutes and install a low flow shower head.

 

 

Check out our Water Conservation brochure

Florida Water Star Certification Program

 

Florida Water Star is a program designed to encourage water efficiency in household appliances, plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems, and landscapes. The program offers resources and incentives to builders and home buyers who commit to water efficiency in new home construction. To register for this program, view the qualification point list, or find workshops on this program visit St Johns River Water Management District's website. Click HERE to view a presentation on the program.

 

 

Resources

Visit GRU for water saving tips. Report water leaks to GRU at 352-334-2711

St Johns River Water Management District's website has a lot of information including a Waterwise landscaping database.

Take the 40GallonChallenge to commit to saving water every other day!