In Florida, water is a unique resource that interconnects the economy and the environment. Florida is a state surrounded by many waterways and is hugged by oceans, streams, lakes, rivers, and creeks. It is, in fact, home to the second largest lake in the United States, Lake Okeechobee.
As much as the abundance of water offers the state vitality, a lack of it can stifle the economy and strain natural resources. The state experiences long periods of wet weather, but it is then followed by long periods of dry weather which makes water conservation a vital aspect. With the growing number of residents, comes the urge to conserve water.
In this regard, Florida water management districts have begun to make plans for handling water conservation.
However, the community can also contribute to the water conservation efforts. Here are a few ways of water can be preserved at an individual level:
Turning water off when you brush your teeth or taking controlled showers are just some of the best water-saving habits. However, there are more ways to save water beyond your daily routine. One of them is the installation of a low-flow faucet aerator. A good low-flow faucet aerator that meets the EPA criteria should slow down 1.5 gallons of water each minute.
Turning water off when you are brushing your teeth or doing dishes is an easy way to conserve water, also taking shorter showers.
Begin with an indoor audit of water used to fix leaks. During the leakage testing period, ensure the water is not used. All water using appliances and faucets should be turned off. Some of the leaks in toilets are silent, while others are detected through the sounds of running water.
For the silent ones, leak dye detection or a food coloring test can help you find hidden leaks. Leaks from your irrigation system, faucets or the toilet can hike your water bill and cost you wasted gallons of water. After turning off all appliances, check your meter readings and wait for about 30 minutes before retaking the readings.
Should you notice a change in the readings, you have a leak. If you still can't find a leak, consult your plumber. Leaks are triggered by corroded valve seats and old gaskets, and these should be investigated. If your shower is dripping, it can waste close to a hundred gallons of water each week. Have it fixed if it is leaking. Also, be careful to check if your washer has wear.
The amount of water used outdoors in Florida accounts for about 50 percent of all the water used.
To reduce this consumption, every household should be careful to tighten taps and use water appropriately and conservatively. Here are some outdoor tips for preserving water in Florida.
Although Florida is known as the sunshine state, it still rains. It means your lawn does not need to be watered all the time if your grass is weather friendly. When it's warm, the evaporation rate is lowest in the morning and late evening, so water during this time. This gives the grass enough time to soak in the water.
Most lawns need about an inch of water on a weekly basis when it's not hot. When you water, make it deep to encourage deep rooting and plants that can withstand drought. Too much water can result in shallow roots which can expose your plants to pests and disease.
Water conservation is one of the most affordable ways of addressing water shortage. To next your sustainable next step, you only need to develop a habit of using water wisely. A little effort makes a big difference.
Have more tips for conserving water or want to share what you’ve done? Drop a comment below or shout us out on social media!