Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – Alachua County has joined numerous governments across Florida in proclaiming April 2012 as Water Conservation Month.  The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is kicking off water conservation month with the Springs Celebration and Chili Cook Off at O’Leno State Park (410 S.E. O'Leno Park Road) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday March 31, 2012.  There will be music and children’s activities geared towards learning about water conservation and keeping springs healthy.

Floridians depend on the aquifer for their drinking water.  Florida springs, rivers, and lakes also depend on the aquifer for their water levels.  Due to drought conditions and groundwater pumping for human uses, the aquifer is very low right now.  View groundwater levels map

 “Since almost 60% of residential water use occurs outdoors, we all need to do our part to use less water every day,” said Gus Olmos with the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department.  He continued, “Even simple changes like turning off your automatic irrigation system and only watering when your plants look thirsty, leaves more water for our springs.”

EPD is partnering with Gainesville Regional Utilities to offer a free workshop designed to teach homeowners how to maintain automatic irrigation systems to increase efficiency.  The workshop is on April 12, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  The location is to be determined.  To register for this workshop please contact Stacie Greco at sgreco@alachuacounty.us or 352-264-6829.