Outdoor Use

General
- If you have a well at home, check your pump periodically. If the pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you have a leak.

Car Washing
-Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose that can be adjusted down to a fine spray, so that water flows only as needed. When finished, turn it off at the faucet instead of at the nozzle to avoid leaks. Check hose connectors to make sure plastic or rubber washers are in place to prevent leaks.

-Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. If you wash your own car, park on the grass so that you will be watering it at the same time.

Lawn Care
-Don't overwater your lawn. Lawns only need to be watered every five to seven days in the summer, and every 10 to 14 days in the winter. A heavy rain eliminates the need for watering for up to two weeks. Most of the year, lawns only need one inch of water per week. Buy a rain gauge so that you can better determine when to water.

-Water in several short sessions rather than one long one in order for your lawn to better absorb moisture. For example, water in ten-minute sessions spaced 30 minutes apart, rather than one straight 30-minute session.

-Water lawns during the designated hours.

-Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.

-Avoid sprinklers that spray a fine mist; most of the mist evaporates before it reaches the lawn. Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly. Florida law now requires that "anyone who purchases and installs an automatic lawn sprinkler system MUST install a rain sensor device or switch which will override the irrigation cycle when adequate rainfall has occurred."

-Raise the lawn mower blade to at least three inches, or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture.

-Avoid over fertilizing your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.

-Use a broom or blower instead of a hose to clean leaves and other debris from your driveway or sidewalk.

-Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours. Use a bell timer to remind yourself to turn sprinklers off.

Pool
  -If you have a swimming pool, consider installing a new water-saving pool filter. A single backflushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.

-Cover pools and spas to reduce evaporation of water.

Long Term Outdoor Conservation
-Plant it smart. Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs and trees. Once established, they do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. They also require less fertilizer or herbicides. Landscape with plants that are heat and drought tolerant and that do not require much water to live. Small plants require less water to become established. Group plants together based on similar water needs.

-Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use. Micro and drip irrigation and soaker hoses are examples of efficient devices.

-Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. (Help preserve native cypress forests by selecting other types of mulch such as treated melaleuca.) Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.

-Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.

-Avoid installing ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use recycled water.

Within the Community
-Participate in public water conservation meetings conducted by your local government, utility or water management district.

-Follow water conservation and water shortage rules in effect. You are included in the restrictions even if your water comes from a private well.

-Encourage your employer to promote water conservation in the workplace.

-Patronize businesses that practice water conservation, such as restaurants that only serve    water upon request.

-Report water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, errant sprinklers, abandoned free-flowing wells, etc.) to the property owner, local authorities or your water management district.

-Encourage your school system and local government to help develop and promote a water conservation ethic.

-Support projects that will lead to an increased use of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and other uses.

-Support efforts that create a concern for water conservation among tourists.

-Promote water conservation in community newsletters, on bulletin boards, and by example. Encourage your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to "be water smart."

-Conserve water because it is the right thing to do - even when someone else is footing the bill, such as when you are staying at a hotel.

-Try to do one thing each day that will result in saving water. Every drop counts!

Water Restrictions
In some communities where drought conditions exist, officials may recommend measures to restrict use of water. These recommendations may include such procedures as watering lawns and washing cars on odd or even days of the week, at night, or on weekends. The restrictions may limit hours or prohibit use of water, or require use of hand watering instead of using sprinkler systems that use much more water. You should check with your local authorities or water utility for information on water restrictions that may be imposed for your area.

More Information
Please contact your local water authority or utility district, or your local emergency management agency for information specific to your area.

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                     Information for "Water Conservation Tips" obtained from the American Red Cross