THINK OF THE FUTURE...SAVE WATER TODAY

Water is our most precious resource, without it life as we know it would not exist.  Although it may seem apparent that water is an unlimited resource, unfortunately it is not.  Growing populations, increased demands for water, less surface area for recharge, and increased pollution all contribute to the fact that we need to conserve this crucial resource.  Using water conservation practices is the simplest and least expensive way to ensure that our water resource will be available for current and future needs. 

If everyone develops habits to save a little water now, we will all save a lot of water for the future.

What are the water restrictions?

The following is the Landscape Irrigation Schedule for potable water customers, including water from ground or surface water, from a private well or pump, or from the City utility.

The use of reclaimed water for landscape irrigation is allowed only in accordance with the following irrigation schedule year round:

In addition, the following applies to both potable and reclaimed water customers:

• No irrigation shall occur between 10:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.

• No more than 3/4 inch of water may be applied per irrigation zone on each day that irrigation occurs

• In no event shall irrigation occur for more than 1 hour per irrigation zone on each day that irrigation occurs.

• All landscape irrigation shall be limited to the amount necessary for the landscape needs.

• Rain sensor are required on all automatic irrigation systems.

• Irrigation using a micro-spray, micro-jet, drip or bubbler irrigation system is allowed

anytime.

• Watering in of chemicals including insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers, fungicides and herbicides when required by law or the manufacturer is allowed on any day within 24 hours of application.

• Irrigation systems may be operated at any time of day on any day for maintenance and

repair purposes not to exceed 20 minutes per zone.

• Irrigation is allowed at any time with a hand held garden hose that is equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle.

• New landscapes are allowed to irrigate on any day for one 30-day period. The irrigation must be limited to only the area where the new landscaping is installed.

To report new sod or for questions regarding the water restrictions please contact the Public Services Department at 407-703-1731 or email Jschilling@apopka.net

What are the penalties for violating the water restrictions?

*Fines will be added to monthly utility bills.

Why should I conserve water?

Many of us take for granted how important of a resource water is to us.  It is a resource that is sometimes over looked because we are able to simply turn on the faucet, flush the toilet, and set a timer for landscape irrigation.  We often don't think of where the water is coming from or if there is enough to last in the future.  Florida's population is growing rapidly and an increasing demand is being put on our freshwater supply.  Much of the increase in water use is attributed to outdoor landscape irrigation. Using water conservation practices is the simplest and least expensive way to ensure that our water resource is protected.
 
The City of Apopka's source of drinking water is the Floridan aquifer, one of the most productive aquifers in the world.  It is fed by rainwater that filters through hundreds of feet of sand and rock.  Apopka typically receives about 50 - 60 inches of rain annually, only a small portion of this water filters through the ground to replenish the aquifer.  The increased demand has accounted for more water being drawn out of the aquifer than what nature is able to put back into the system.  Also, as more natural lands are being developed, the less pervious surfaces are left to allow natural rainfall to percolate into the ground.   Using too much groundwater can result in drying out wetlands, lowering lake levels, reducing spring flows, increased sink hole formation, and impairing water quality.  Learning to use water wisely today will slow the impacts that are being put on our freshwater supply and ensure that this precious resource will be available now and in the future.

If you would like additional information on water conservation, please contact the Public Services Department at 407-703-1626 or email Jschilling@apopka.net  

(Courtesy of the St. Johns River Water Management District)

How can I help conserve water?

There are many different ways to save water at a residence.  First look at how water is used inside and outside of your house.  Then take actions to reduce the amount of water that is being used.  Eliminating wasteful practices and habits, and improving the efficiency of water using fixtures and devices are two key components to reducing the amount of water that is being used at your residence.

In many cases, more than 50% of the water used at a residence goes outdoors for landscape irrigation.  There are many ways to save water outdoors.  These will not only help conserve our water supply and keep our environment healthy, but they will also help save you money as well as cut back with the amount of time you spend on lawn maintenance.

• Choose water efficient and drought tolerant plants that are native to Central Florida's climate and the type of soil present. 
• Do not irrigate between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  During this time it is inefficient to irrigate because most of the water is lost to evaporation.
• Irrigate your landscape a maximum of two days per week, less if rainfall has occurred.  Over watering promotes fungus, disease, and weed growth.  It also results in a shallow root system, making your lawn less drought and stress tolerant.
• Group plants according to their water needs and irrigate areas separately that require less water.
• Use mulch around plant beds, shrubs, and trees.  Benefits of mulch include:
  o Reduces evaporation
  o Keeps soil warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer
  o Helps control weed growth
  o Reduces the maintenance around plants, trees, and shrubs
• Install a rain shutoff device to automatic sprinkler systems that will override the cycle when adequate rainfall has occurred.  Florida law requires a rain shutoff device on all automatic sprinkler systems installed since 1991.
• Irrigate only when your lawn shows signs of stress.  Visual signs include the lawn turning a bluish-gray color, footprints lingering after walking through the grass, and leaf blades folding in half.
• Use soaker hoses or micro-irrigation around trees and shrubs.
• When only small portions of your lawn needs water use a hand-held hose fitted with an automatic shut-off nozzle to water that area instead of irrigating an entire zone.
• Regularly check that your irrigation system is operating properly.  Check for leaks, cracked lines, proper rotation, and for any damaged sprinkler heads.  Make sure that you are not watering the driveway, sidewalk, or street.
• Raise the height of your mower.  Cut no more than one-third of the grass length to encourage the root system to grow deeper and leaf blades to hold more moisture.
• Sweep or air blow driveways and sidewalks instead of using the hose.

Additional resource(s):
www.floridaswater.com
www.sjrwmd.com/
www.edis.ifas.ufl.edu/LH010

It is important to be aware of how water is used inside your home.  The bathroom and kitchen are two key areas that water consumption can be reduced inside the house.  Listed below are a few steps you can take to save water inside your home.

• Check for leaks that may be occurring inside your home.  One way to do this is by checking your water meter.  Make sure there is no water being used inside or outside of the house.  Record the reading from the water meter before and after a 30-minute time frame.  If there is any change in the readings, you have a leak.
• Repair dripping faucets by replacing the washers.
• Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank to detect if you have a leak.  After a few minutes if the coloring makes its way into the bowl, you have a leak.  Make sure to flush the coloring shortly after to prevent staining.  There are also leak detector tablets available at local stores.
• Only run your dishwasher when it is full.
• Adjust your washing machine to the appropriate water level for the size of the load.
• Consider replacing older faucets, toilets, showerheads, and cloths washers with low-flow and water efficient models.
• Turn off the water when you brush your teeth, wash your face, or shave.
• Take shorter showers.
• Don't use the toilet as a trash can to flush items.

Additional resource(s):
www.H2ouse.org/