Media Release

2 Days until Earth Day.

Driven by the County Commission's Guiding Vision, everyday is Earth Day in Alachua County.  In April, each day leading up to Earth Day (April 22), the County will be highlighting programs, services, and strategies designed to lead Alachua County into a more sustainable future.

To view all "Earth Day Countdown" press releases on the County's Facebook page, click here and click on the Earth Day tab at the top of the page.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Alachua County Environmental Protection staff have completed the final draft of the Water Conservation Initiative Report.  The report will be posted on the Alachua County Website on April 27^th. This staff report, requested by the Board of County Commissioners, provides a menu of opportunities to improve local water conservation efforts. 

The report identifies opportunities for more effective local government roles in increasing water conservation such as land use and low impact development incentives.  It confirms that effective water conservation requires cooperation, collaboration, and communication among citizens and all levels of government, business, and non-governmental organizations. 

"This report outlines best and 'next' practices that can help our citizens reduce water consumption to better protect our creeks, lakes, springs, and water supply and to provide for a more resilient water future for Alachua County" said Chris Bird, Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Director. 

During the past six months, in preparing the report, staff provided for public input by posting the draft chapters and receiving comments via the County's website.  Additional suggestions and comments were received from appointed citizen advisory committees including the County's Environmental Protection Advisory Committee, the Economic Development Advisory Committee, and the Rural Concerns Advisory Committee.

The report will provide a basis for the Board of County Commissioners to provide new policy directions in terms of appropriate water conservation priorities and strategies for Alachua County.

To learn more about this local initiative and to download a copy of the draft report, visit www.alachuacountywater.us.

For more information, contact Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Water Resources Supervisor, Gus Olmos at 352-264-6806 or Gus@alachuacounty.us.

40 Days of Change - For more information concerning events on and leading up to Earth Day, go to the University of Florida, Office of Sustainability's "40 Days of Change" website by clicking here.