Preserving our waters

April is a great time to be a Floridian. Temperate weather typically abounds, enabling residents to enjoy the outdoors before the stifling heat and torrential rains of summer arrive. April is also Water Conservation Month. Recent drought conditions and water shortage restrictions throughout the state are a constant reminder of the importance of conserving water, which has become critical due to population growth that has brought increased water demands. This impacts water use availability, water quality and ecosystems. For homeowners — many of whom aren’t aware of these issues — knowing how to implement a practical approach to water usage is imperative to creating an environmentally sustainable future. It also has the added benefit of cost savings.

Use less, pay less

To conserve water and save money, it is important that you read your water bill and understand your usage. The water management districts of the state of Florida generally allocate a water use of no greater than 150 gallons per day, per person — a two-person household should not use more than 9,000 gallons a month for indoor and outdoor usages combined. If your bill shows that this average is exceeded, you may want to reevaluate your household usage.

Doing your part

Outside:

Often, more than 70 percent of Floridians’ total household water consumption is used to maintain lawns and landscapes — often more than 200 gallons per day, per person. This has a significant impact on water shortages. While aesthetics are important, a shift in thinking from traditional landscape methods toward the Florida-Friendly Landscaping design method and utilizing native plants is needed to conserve the quantity and quality of our water supply. Here are a few basics:

• Reduce the area of irrigated landscape and lawn/turf grass.

• Choose the right plants for the right places.

• Select Florida native plants for your landscape; they require minimal amounts of water, fertilizers and pesticides, and attract birds and butterflies.

• Comply with irrigation restrictions and — better yet — irrigate only when your lawn and landscape need water.

• If you have an automated irrigation system, make sure it has a functioning rain sensor shut-off.

• Monitor the schedules of your automatic irrigation timer and reprogram it frequently to address variations in seasonal conditions and landscape growth demands. Turn it if off whenever possible.

Inside:

Unlike outside, inside water use generally falls below 50 to 70 gallons per day per person, but there still are a few ways to save big here, too:

• Select appliances and fixtures with Energy Star® or EPA WaterSense® designations.

• Check toilets and faucets for leaks and repair or replace, if needed.

• Limit shower times.

• Reduce toilet flushings.

• Wash clothes and dishes only when there is a full load.

• Do not unnecessarily run water when washing dishes, brushing teeth, shaving or showering.

By incorporating the above simple tips, you will not only save water, but will save money and help protect the environment for future generations.

Sarah Whitaker, P.G., is the president of SMW GeoSciences, a water resource consulting firm located in Orlando.