Environmental Protection

Water Conservation

Water Water Everywhere?

Did you know that 97% of the earth's water is salt water stored in the ocean? This means 3% is freshwater, and 2/3 of this is frozen. Only 1% of the world's water is available as drinking water! When you realize how scarce our water supply is it makes you realize that we best stop wasting it and start conserving it for the future.

Report water leaks to GRU at 352-334-2711

Water Star Certification Program

Florida Water Star  is a program designed to encourage water efficiency in houshold appliances, plumbing fixtures, irrigation systmes, and landscapes. The program offers resources and incentives to builders and home buyers who commit to water efficiency in new home construction.  The program may be expanded to include retrofits of older homes in the future. To register for this program, view the qualification point list, or find workshops on this program visit St Johns River Water Management District's website.

You Can Conserve Water!

Over 50% of residential water use occurs  outdoors- so it is a good place to start looking at our habits...

  • Replace turf with native drought tolerant vegetation
  • Group plants according to their water needs
  • Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weads
  • Raise your lawnmower blade (never cut more than the top 1/3)
  • Collect rainwater in rain barrels and cisterns for irrigation uses 
  • If you MUST water
    • Use micro irrigation instead of sprinklers and hoses
    • Install a rain shutoff device to automatic sprinklers (all systems installed after 1991 are required to have this)
    • Water in the early morning
    • Make sure your watering system is operating properly and not leeking
    • Use a timer to remind yourself to shut off sprinklers not on a timer

Fixing leaks and replacing old plumbing fixtures indoors with water saving ones can save a family of four up to 30,000 gallons of water each year!

  • Find out if you have a leak by monitoring your meter before and after a two hour period when no water is being used
  • Repair dripping faucets and toilets
  • Run automatic dishwashers only when they are full
  • Collect soapy water in the sink to wash dishes, instead of letting the water run
  • Set your clothes washer to the appropriate water level for the size of the load you are washing
  • Keep your showers under 5 minutes and install a low flow shower head.

Click HERE to learn more about saving water!

Its the Law!

If you live in the St Johns River Water Management District you can water established landcapes no more than twice a week and must do it before 10 AM or after 4PM.

If you live in the Suwannee River Water Management District you are under a district-wide water shortage advisory. Water restrictions are voluntary and the district recommends watering before 10 AM or after 4 AM and irrigating no more than twice a week.

Florida law requires rain shutoff devices on all automatic sprinkler systems installed since 1991