Florida has been celebrating Water Conservation Month since 1998. Let’s continue with the tradition!
By Doris Heitzmann, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program Manager.
As we are heading into the usually driest months of the year, we would like to remind everyone to use water wisely, both indoors and outdoors to help conserve our precious resource.
This is especially important since Southwest Florida is already in an extreme drought due to below average rainfall during last year’s rainy season. A current regional rainfall deficit of 13.7 inches is resulting in declining water levels in the region’s aquifers, rivers and lakes.
One of the easiest ways to help is by following the current watering restrictions that are already in effect. All About Water Restrictions – Gardening Solutions.
Know your allowed watering day and time frame provided by your local water supplier.
There are many opportunities to reduce water use in and outside your home. When it comes to outdoor water conservation the University of Florida/IFAS recommends utilizing the Nine Principles of Florida-Friendly Landscaping™.
A few simple steps, such as selecting and planting drought tolerant, native plants, collecting and using rainwater, and maintaining your sprinkler system for efficiency can result in significant water savings:
Maintain your Sprinkler or Irrigation System: Here are a few easy maintenance tips
to keep your sprinkler system running efficiently:
1. Maintain, repair, or replace poorly performing rotors, nozzles, and sprinkler heads. Heads can get clogged, damaged, and misdirected. Repairs can be as simple as cleaning or replacing a filter or nozzle.
2. Check your time clock settings for proper runtime, frequency, and “hidden” runtimes.
3. Calibrate your irrigation system to ½ to ¾ inches application rate per irrigation event to apply the proper amount of water.
4. Install a smart irrigation controller to avoid unnecessary irrigation events.
5. Retrofit to and use microirrigation in landscape beds.
Rainwater Harvesting: Participate in one of our monthly rainwater harvesting classes to learn how to use your rain barrel and check with your local UF/IFAS Extension office for classes and if barrels are made available.
Design your Landscape for drought by using drought tolerant and native plants.
Plant right before or during the rainy season for water conserving plant establishment.
Once your plants are established, only water when needed.
Water Conservation Rebate Programs: Finally, make use of local and regional water saving rebate programs. Tampa Bay residents, community associations and businesses may check eligibility for indoor and outdoor (potable water only) rebates at
Tampa Bay Water Wise
Join us at our Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Classes
4/17/26 Smart Landscaping Tips for Drought Tickets
4/25/26 Harnessing the Rain, Green Thumb Festival, St. Petersburg
5/15/26 Water Conservation Special: Getting Ready for the Rainy Season Tickets
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