DYK: Water Conservation Helps Protect South Florida’s Natural Resources

There are many simple steps we can all take to help conserve water and protect South Florida's natural resources.

DID YOU KNOW: Around 3 billion gallons of water are used every day in South Florida by more than 9 million residents and visitors.

GROWING DEMAND FOR LIMITED WATER RESOURCES: Florida's population continues to increase and one of the most effective ways to address increasing water needs is through water conservation.

CONSERVING WATER THIS DRY SEASON: The South Florida Water Management District (District) issued a Water Shortage Warning for Collier, Glades, Highlands, Lee, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties amid continuing dry conditions and increasing water supply concerns.

However, all residents, visitors, and businesses throughout the region are encouraged to conserve water and limit irrigation.

MAKING EVERY DROP COUNT: Even small changes can have big impacts on water conservation. Conserving water now helps protect our aquifers and other important water sources. Follow these simple steps to save water:

• All landscape irrigation should comply with the allowed days and times established in your local government's year-round landscape irrigation ordinance. Visit Lawn Watering Restrictions to learn more. During the cooler winter months, lawns do not need to be irrigated as frequently as summer months. Most of the time, one day of irrigation per week is sufficient to maintain a healthy landscape.
• Check irrigation timers to ensure settings are correct and rain sensors are working properly. Check irrigation systems to ensure they are working properly and test and repair broken pipes and damaged sprinkler heads.
• Fix leaks. Finding and fixing water leaks conserves water, saves money and protects your home from damage.
• Avoid washing or cleaning streets, sidewalks, driveways, or other impervious areas with water.
• Landscape the Florida-Friendly Way by planting low maintenance plants using environmentally sustainable practices.
• Read More Simple Steps to Save Water.

PLANNING FOR FUTURE NEEDS: An important component of the District's mission is to plan for the water supplies of the region's residents, visitors, and the environment. The District proactively develops long-term water supply plans to monitor, evaluate and identify water sources and projects to meet the future water needs from Orlando to the Florida Keys.

LEARN MORE: Conserving water during the dry season - and all year long - is an integral part of managing and protecting our water supplies today and for future generations.

We encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/WaterConservation to learn more about the ways you can reduce your water use.