We can all find ways to conserve water

April 06, 2011

For more than 20 years, the St. Johns River Water Management District has partnered with local governments, civic and business organizations, environmental groups and the public to help protect water resources and ensure that we have ample supplies of water to meet our economic and environmental needs.

We believe Floridians want to be good stewards of water, and understand that natural resources are limited and we must use them wisely if they are to be sustainable.

April is Water Conservation Month, a time for all of us to reflect upon the importance of this resource and consider all of the ways that we use water and the ways that we can reduce our water use.

Saving water doesn't have to be complicated or costly. Simple actions will help extend our supplies, help protect our current sources of water and delay the need to develop more costly alternative sources.

Conservation does not mean doing without water. It means that we must ensure that our water is used as efficiently as possible. The district works with industry, agriculture, power plants and recreational facilities, such as golf courses and ball fields, to implement processes to reduce the amount of water needed for these uses.

Saving water at home is equally important and the district's website, www.floridaswater.com, is a dependable source of information on ways to conserve.

A good place to begin is by following the watering restrictions, which allow for adequate amounts of water to keep your landscapes healthy.

While preparing your yard for spring and summer, remember that planting the right plant in the right place is the key to using water efficiently. On our website, you will find an updated and expanded waterwise plant database that allows you to input the characteristics of your yard, and the database helps you select the right plants to create an appealing, low-maintenance landscape that thrives in Florida's climate.

The district's Florida Water StarSM program, a voluntary certification program for new and existing residential and commercial developments, encourages water efficiency in household appliances, plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems and landscapes. On our website, you can learn how to retrofit your home or plan a new home designed to conserve water. Saving water at home will not only protect the resource, but will reduce the amount of money you spend on your water bill.

Conserving water is everyone's responsibility, is good for the economy and good for the environment. Please take a moment this month to consider how you use water and see if you can identify a couple of changes that you can make to do your part to protect this precious resource.

Kirby Green

Executive Director

St. Johns River Water Management