Water conservation plays an important role between balancing current and future water needs.
Most surface water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and streams are connected to ground water. So, whether your water supply comes from ground water or surface water, conservation matters. In the US, Americans use 79.6 billion gallons of ground water every day—the equivalent of 2,923 12-oz. cans for every man, woman, and child in the nation. Everyone can participate by being mindful of water use in their everyday household activities. Simple ways to conserve water:
Indoor Water Conservation
- Repair dripping faucets and toilets. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water a year.
- Only run the dishwasher when it is fully loaded, and use the “light wash” feature, if available, to use less water.
- Avoid wasting water waiting for it to get hot. Capture it for other uses such as plant watering.
Outdoor Water Conservation:
- Avoid over watering your lawn. A heavy rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks.
- Cover pools and spas to reduce evaporation of water
- Using mulch in lawns and garden can add a splash of color for landscaping designs while retaining moisture in the soil.
One of the best ways to save water and money is to make sure there are no current leaks to water pipes or water systems. Well owners especially need to make sure their water well system is working properly. Water wells are directly tapping into the groundwater supply and a poorly maintained well system can be a source of excessive water waste. The National Ground Water Association recommends that water well owners have their wells checked and tested by a certified and/or licensed contractor every year to ensure water safety.
It’s up to each of us to conserve Florida’s water. Let’s start today!