West Palm Beach, FL — Highlighting an ongoing commitment to water conservation, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is again observing April as Water Conservation Month.
“While we depend on water resources every day of every month, Water Conservation Month is a valuable reminder that South Florida’s water is a limited and precious resource,” said SFWMD Executive Director Melissa Meeker. “It’s a perfect opportunity to assess your water use and identify additional ways to conserve, whether it’s on your yard or at your home or business.”
Water conservation practices include installing an aerator on your sink, watering the lawn by hand or installing low-flow appliances, such as a showerhead or energy-efficient washing machine.
For 14 consecutive years, Florida has recognized Water Conservation Month in April, the height of the South Florida dry season. Springtime is traditionally the season when limited rainfall, an increase in temperature and higher evapotranspiration rates put stress on regional water supplies. The District remains under a water shortage warning, which indicates the region may enter water shortage conditions in upcoming weeks.
Throughout April, the District is participating in a broad range of events to raise awareness and promote wise water use:
The Florida Automated Weather Network (FAWN) irrigation tools workshop on April 11 in Belle Glade is a cooperative effort between the District and the University of Florida to demonstrate advanced irrigation tools to agricultural users and other large irrigators.
The District and the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association will hold the 4th annual Water Conservation Expo and Vendor Fair on April 27 in West Palm Beach. The event focuses on helping commercial and institutional facility managers identify ways to reduce their water use and lower their operating costs.
Other events include:
o April 14/15—Windermere Festival Among the Lakes in Orange County
o April 14—City of Sunrise Earth Day in Broward County
o April 18—Earth Day at Walt Disney World in Orange County
o April 20—Earth Day Eco-challenge in Osceola County
o April 21—Baynanza, Biscayne Bay cleanup in Miami-Dade County
o April 21—Earth Day on the Avenue, Delray Beach in Palm Beach County
o April 28—Arbor Day event, City of Coconut Creek in Broward County
o April 28—Water Fest, City of Stuart in Martin County
Water Conservation is Now a Year-Round Ethic
Water conservation is essential year-round for addressing the impacts of weather extremes and growing demands on a limited water supply needed by South Florida’s 7.7 million residents, economy and environment.
When water shortage orders are not in place, the District follows Year-Round Water Conservation Measures that target outdoor irrigation, which accounts for up to half of the estimated 179 gallons of water used per person per day in South Florida. The Year-Round Landscape Irrigation Rule is just one of many initiatives implemented under the District’s Comprehensive Water Conservation Program.
The Comprehensive Water Conservation Program was approved by the SFWMD Governing Board in September 2008 to encourage more responsible use of water resources throughout South Florida. Numerous stakeholders worked with the District to define specific regulatory, voluntary and incentive-based programs and in-depth education and marketing efforts that help to foster a year-round conservation ethic.
For more information on ways to save water, visit www.savewaterfl.com.