We’re still dealing with a very serious drought here in Florida. And although the housing market has slowed down, Florida’s population is still growing without any signs of ever stopping. Now, more than ever, we must be aware of how we are using the precious water supply which we can’t live without.
According to Marian Hopkins of Treehugger.com, “While 70 percent of the world’s surface is covered by water, it is estimated that only 1 percent of those total water resources is available for human use. Currently, between 500 million and 2 billion people are living in conditions of water stress. It is estimated that this number will rise to about 5.5 billion people by 2025.
Scary numbers and we all need to do our part to use this precious resource with care. You can make a difference by adopting a water smart philosophy.
Here are 30 ways to help conserve water:
1. Place a bucket in your shower to catch extra water which you can use to water plants.
2. In the shower, turn the water off after you are wet and while you are scrubbing up. Turn it back on to rinse.
3. Okay, we’re still in the shower – get a low flow shower head.
4. Only run the dishwasher and washing machines when you have full loads.
5. Either get a kit you can add to your present toilet to reduce the amount of water you use to flush or replace your toilet with an ultra-low flow version. Check out the dual flush toilets, they save the most water.
6. Don’t pour water down the drain if it can be used for something else like watering your plants.
7. Hot water on demand saves water and energy.
8. Rainwater collection systems are a no brainer here in Florida. Start with a
rain barrel or two for the garden and lawn.
9. Plant native plants. Xeriscape to avoid wasting water for irrigation.
10. Don’t over-water your lawn. Lawns only need irrigation every five to seven days. A heavy rain eliminates watering a lawn for up to two weeks.
11. Water lawns in the early morning when wind and temperatures are at the lowest to reduce evaporation and waste.
12. Check the position of your sprinkler heads regularly. Water should only land on the lawn, not on shrubs or pavement.
13. Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly. Florida law now requires that “anyone who purchases and installs an automatic lawn sprinkler system MUST install a rain sensor device or switch which will override the irrigation cycle when adequate rainfall has occurred.”
14. Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. Fertilizer increases the need for water.
15. Use mulch around plants and trees to help hold the moisture.
16. And for Pete’s sake use a broom or a blower if you must, but don’t use a hose to clean walkways and driveways.
17. Use
the waterless car washing systems like Lucky Earth or consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water.
18. Do not use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator, or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
19. Kitchen sink disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Get a composter as a way to dispose of food waste.
20. Don’t let water run while brushing your teeth, washing your face or shaving.
21. Store drinking water in the refrigerator. Don’t let the water run while you wait for it to cool off.
22. Don’t waste water while waiting for it to get hot. Capture that water for other uses.
23. Check for leaky faucets and pipes and irrigation systems and have them repaired as soon as possible.
24. Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Put tissues, that small bug, etc. in the trash.
25. Make sure to know the watering rules and conservation guidelines required by your county water management district.
26. Consider hooking up to the reclaimed water system if it is available in your neighborhood.
27. Report leaks, broken fire hydrants, errant water sprinklers, basically any unattended water losses you see to the home owner if possible or the local authorities such as the water management district.
28. Promote water conservation in your community newsletter, on public bulletin boards.
29. Encourage all your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors to be water smart!
30. Do one thing every day to consciously save water. Every drop counts.
This is just a short list of ways to conserve water. If you need more ideas check with The Department of Environmental Protection for Florida. Their website is
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/. There are many more ways to get involved in saving our fresh water supply. It is a fragile resource and needs all of us to care for it.
