Volume 5 Number 13
March 28, 2008
GOVERNOR, CABINET CELEBRATE APRIL AS WATER CONSERVATION MONTH

Governor Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet today recognized April as Water Conservation Month. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), together with the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association, endorsed the proclamation, reaffirming the state's commitment to increasing water use efficiency.

"Recognizing April as Water Conservation Month helps promote the importance of water conservation, encouraging Floridians to become environmental stewards at home and in their communities," said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. "By using water efficiently, we reduce the unnecessary waste of a precious resource, we extend supplies of water for our growing population, and we protect the state's natural resources."

Conservation is not about "doing without." Floridians can conserve water just by adopting efficient habits that reduce water waste:
  • Watering lawns can account for more than 50 percent of water use at many Florida homes or businesses. Irrigate your landscaping only when it actually needs it. Many homes with irrigation systems apply far more water than is necessary.
  • Choose landscaping suited to your location to reduce the need for irrigation. Learn about beautiful Florida Friendly plants at www.floridayards.org. There you can view and select the right plants for your home or business.
  • Replace old toilets that use up to five gallons of water per flush with high performance water-efficient toilets certified by the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program (http://www.epa.gov/WaterSense/).
  • Showering is one of the top uses of residential water in the United States, representing approximately 17 percent of indoor water use. Replace old showerheads with new low-flow models that work just as well, but use less water.
  • Faucets account for more than 15 percent of indoor household water use. Replace old faucets with WaterSense approved faucets or aerators.
  • Fix water leaks. Homeowners lose an average of 25 gallons of water a day through leaky water devices.
  • Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when full and you could save 1,000 gallons a month. Consider buying a clothes washer that has a water factor of 6.0 or less by going to www.cee1.org.
  • If washing dishes by hand, don't leave the water running. You can save 200 to 500 gallons a month.
  • Repair dripping faucets. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can waste 2,700 gallons per year.

For information about Florida's water, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/water. 

For more green tips, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/green/tips.