FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 6, 2012
DEP RECOGNIZES APRIL AS WATER CONSERVATION MONTH
~Governor, Cabinet encourages residents and visitors to take steps to curtail water usage~
 Set in the northeast corner of the Green Swamp, a vast wetland in Central Florida, Lake Louisa is the largest in a chain of thirteen lakes connected by the Palatlakaha River.
TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) celebrates April as Water Conservation Month and Florida’s efforts to protect the state’s water resources and supply. Florida is one of the most water-efficient states in the nation, using more than 660 million gallons of reclaimed water every day to conserve freshwater and replenish rivers, streams, lakes and aquifers. Florida uses reclaimed water to irrigate more than 281,000 residences, 500 golf courses, 850 parks and 300 schools. There are many efforts underway to protect Florida's water quality and sustain our natural water resources, and ensure a reliable, healthy supply of drinking water for all Floridians.
"One of DEP’s top priorities is getting Florida’s water right, in terms of both quality and quantity,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Water Policy and Ecosystem Restoration Greg Munson. “Celebrating April as Water Conservation Month is the perfect time for Floridians to learn more about how all of us, as individuals and communities, can help ensure a sustainable supply of water for the future.”
Most of Florida is dealing with severe drought conditions, which makes water conservation even more critical. Floridians still use 6.7 billion gallons of fresh water daily, while producing billions of gallons of wastewater through showers, laundry, dishwashing and other activities. Water conservation is the least costly and easiest plan to preserving our natural resources.
Governor Rick Scott and the Florida Cabinet have recognized April as Water Conservation Month. DEP supports a resolution presented by the Florida Section of the American Water Works Association reaffirming the state's commitment to increasing water use efficiency.
"Florida is unique in that we may receive sporadic rain and extended drought conditions throughout spring and into summer,” said Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, who sponsored the resolution. “As we recognize Water Conservation Month this April, Floridians are encouraged to take proactive steps to conserve the daily use of water and safeguard one of Florida’s most vital resources.”
Floridians can adopt effective habits for conserving water in residential areas. Here are some ideas:
- Adhere to water restrictions and only irrigate lawns when needed.
- Choose landscaping suited to your location with help from Florida Friendly Landscaping.
- Replace old toilets that use up to five gallons of water per flush with high performance water-efficient toilets.
- Replace old showerheads with new low-flow models that work just as well, but use less water.
- Replace old faucets with WaterSense approved faucets or aerators. Dripping faucets can cost homeowners 2,700 gallons a year.
- 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, which could save 1,000 gallons a month.
- If washing dishes by hand, don't leave the water running. You can save 200 to 500 gallons a month.
- Adding rain barrels to harvest and repurpose precipitation is one of the most efficient ways to reuse water for irrigation without tapping into the municipal supply.
Visit the following links to determine what water restrictions may exist in your part of Florida, along with useful information about water conservation:
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