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 replenishing our springs and rivers. In Alachua County our largest water use is residential and commercial uses at over 26 million gallons per day. Agriculture is the second largest use, estimated at almost 20 million gallons per day. If you receive a utility bill, download our calculator to see how much you use per day! To learn how to reduce your use check out our Water Conservation brochure.
Reducing Outdoor Water Use
Almost 60% of residential water use occurs outdoors! To learn how you can start reducing your use and utility bills by making simple changes in your landscape, visit our Water Wise Landscaping page. Don’t forget that irrigation restrictions are the law and are enforced year round.
Conserving Water Indoors
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
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 the Florida Water Star website. View a presentation on the program.
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