Did you know a key part of the South Florida Water Management District’s mission is to protect South Florida’s water resources now and for future generations?
Conserving water year-round is an integral part of managing and protecting South Florida’s water supplies today. Around three billion gallons of water are used every day in central and southern Florida by nine million residents and visitors – for watering our lawns, drinking and bathing, growing our crops and servicing our industries. Future water needs are projected to increase to approximately 4.1 billion gallons per day by 2040. One of the most effective ways to address increasing water needs is through water conservation.
With approximately 50 percent of residential water used for irrigation, it is important to irrigate efficiently. To promote more efficient irrigation, the District passed a year-round Landscape Irrigation Rule that limits the days and hours allowed for landscape irrigation. The year-round Landscape Irrigation Rule is a component of the District's Comprehensive Water Conservation Program, which was established to encourage more responsible use of water resources throughout South Florida. Local governments are highly encouraged to adopt an irrigation ordinance that is consistent with the District's year-round Irrigation Rule, if they have not already done so.
In addition, homeowners can save water by following these simple tips.
- Set an irrigation timer to run only two or three days per week pursuant to your local irrigation ordinance and no irrigation between 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Visit Lawn Watering Restrictions to learn more.
- Install a “smart” irrigation controller that uses weather data or soil moisture information to decide when and how much irrigation is needed for your yard.
- Fix leaks. Finding and fixing water leaks conserves water, saves money and protects your home from damage.
- Install water efficient, ENERGY STAR labeled appliances and WaterSense labeled high-efficiency water fixtures, such as showerheads, toilets, and kitchen and bathroom faucet aerators.
- Landscape the Florida-Friendly way by planting low maintenance plants using environmentally sustainable practices.
All of us have a role in protecting our water resources. Together we can ensure a more sustainable water supply for the benefit of all South Floridians.
Learn more about the importance of water conservation and the ways you can reduce your water use.