Alachua County has joined governments, utilities, and agencies across Florida in proclaiming April as Water Conservation Month. This initiative highlights the importance of preserving our water resources, which are essential for our drinking water, springs, rivers and lakes.
Outdoor irrigation can account for up to 60% of residential water use. Residents can significantly reduce water waste and lower utility bills by making small changes to irrigation habits. We encourage property owners with automatic irrigation systems to "turn it off, watch the weather, and wait to water." Established plants often require less water than new plantings, and many homeowners can turn off entire irrigation zones or shorten run times, leading to meaningful savings.
Residents using more than 10kg of water per month are encouraged to contact the county for personalized tips on reducing water use and cutting costs. Business owners should also note that commercial irrigation systems must be registered with the county and submit an annual maintenance report to ensure efficiency.
"Water Conservation Month is the perfect time to inspect irrigation systems and prevent unnecessary water waste," said Eliana Bardi, senior planner in the Water Resources Division of the county’s Environmental Protection Department. "Leaks are common in nearly every system we inspect, and many rainfall shut-off devices are either broken or not activated. A simple yet effective step is to discontinue irrigation on well-established plantings."
For water-saving tips and conservation strategies, follow the county’s MyYardOurWater Facebook or visit www.AlachuaCountyWater.org.
For more information on water conservation programs, contact Eliana Bardi at 352-264-6810 or ebardi@alachuacounty.us.
