Water Conservation Month starts today, serving as an important reminder that we all have a role in protecting our water resources and ensuring a more sustainable water supply.

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

GROWING DEMAND, LIMITED RESOURCES: Future water needs are projected to increase to approximately 4.1 billion gallons per day by 2040. As demand for our traditional groundwater and surface water sources grows, the South Florida Water Management District (District) is working to ensure there are sufficient water supplies to meet the needs of the region’s residents, visitors, and the environment – now and in the future. One of the most effective ways to ensure water supply for the future is reducing demands through water conservation now.

CONSERVING WATER YEAR-ROUND: Florida has observed Water Conservation Month since 1998. During Water Conservation Month, the District raises awareness throughout our 16-county region about the importance of water conservation and the ways we can reduce our water use all year long.

MAKING EVERY DROP COUNT: Even small changes can have big impacts on water conservation. Homeowners can use these simple tips to save water both inside and outside their home:

Make sure your rain sensor device is working properly to prevent your irrigation system from running when rainfall is meeting your landscape needs.

Know the times and the days of the week you can water based on year-round irrigation ordinances in your area. Visit SFWMD.gov/LandscapeIrrigation to learn more.

Set your irrigation timer to run pursuant to your local irrigation ordinance and do not irrigate during mid-day hours when evaporation is the highest.

Install a “smart” irrigation controller that uses weather data or soil moisture information to decide when and how much irrigation is needed for your yard.

Fix leaks. Finding and fixing water leaks conserves water, saves money and protects your home from damage.

Employ Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles by using low maintenance plants and environmentally sustainable practices.

EFFICIENT IRRIGATION: To promote more efficient irrigation, the District enacted a year-round Landscape Irrigation Rule that limits the days and hours allowed for landscape irrigation. The restrictions allow enough water to maintain healthy landscapes year-round.

A healthy landscape only needs 1-inch to 1.5 inches of water per week during summer growing season and only as needed to supplement rainfall. During the winter season, when a lawn goes dormant, it requires even less. 

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.

This Water Conservation Month, we encourage you to visit SFWMD.gov/WaterConservation to learn more about the ways you can reduce your water use.