Environmental Services Division
Public Services Department

Water Conservation

Water Conservation

As Winter Garden plans for the future our focus remains on the citizens we serve. Balancing current and projected water needs continues to remain a top priority--and concern.

To ensure availability for future generations the withdrawal of fresh water from an ecosystem should not exceed its natural replacement rate. As we enter our second year of drought conditions it remains increasingly vital that we take measures to conserve this precious, and life-sustaining, natural resource.

We can provide you the knowledge and tools to use water effectively in your everyday life. Every drop counts and every person can make a difference.

Seminars & Workshops

Landscaping Workshops

Learn about the nine principles of Florida Friendly Landscaping:

• Right Plant, Right Place - plant selection, site analysis, soil, & pH
• Water Efficiently - irrigation system, calibration, water conservation, controllers, application
• Fertilize Appropriately - selection, application, scheduling, spreaders
• Mulch - guidelines & types
• Yard Pest Management - integrated pest management, identification, treatment, disease, pesticides
• Recycle - benefits, mowing, pruning, composting
• Storm Water Runoff - best management practices, pollution, swales, rain gardens
• Waterfront Protection - management, pollution, septic tanks
• Wildlife Attraction - benefits, creating habitat

Dates

• October 21, 6pm-9pm
• January 20, 6pm-9pm
  

All landscaping workshops are FREE and open to all Winter Garden residents and businesses.
Location: Winter Garden City Hall, 300 West Plant Street
Registration:  Please call 407.654.2732 or email astout@wintergarden-fl.gov

News and Announcements

Free landscaping and irrigation evaluations are provided by the Water Conservation Department.  Please call 407.654.2732 or email astout@wintergarden-fl.gov to schedule an appointment.

Visit the FFL Demonstration Garden at the Jessie Brock Community Center - click here for more information

Free Showerhead Exchange

Many homes built prior to 1994 may have showerheads that use 5 gallons of water or more each minute (gpm). Installing low-flow showerheads that use 2.5 gallons of water per minute can reduce your water use and your water bill.
Please click here for more information.

Tips to Conserve Water

Indoors

• Don't run the water while brushing your teeth.
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily for tissue paper, insects, etc.
• Compost food scraps instead of using the sink disposal.
• Defrost food overnight in the refrigerator or microwave instead of running water.
• Insulate water pipes to reduce heating time.
• Only run dishwashers and washing machines when full.
• Replace bathroom and kitchen fixtures with lower-flow fixtures, look for WaterSense labeled products.
• Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets.
• Install water-efficient appliances in your home.
• Pour unused drinking water from glasses and pet dishes onto plants instead of down the sink.

Outdoors

• Only water your lawn when it needs it.  Look for signs of stress (turf & landscaping).
• Use a broom instead of the water hose to clean patios, driveways, etc.
• Use rain barrels to capture rain water to use in your landscaping instead of drinking water.
• Check your irrigation system regularly to ensure timer is properly set, there are no leaks, sprinklers are spraying turf and landscaping and hard surfaces, and for proper irrigation methods/design.
• Use a spray nozzle on your hose to control water.
• Make sure your rain sensor is working properly.  Test it by turning the irrigation system on and spraying the sensor with the hose.  If the irrigation doesn’t turn off, the rain sensor may not be working properly.
• Cut grass at the highest recommended height for the turf species – allows roots to grow deeper and grass blades to hold moisture.
• Choose waterwise turf and landscaping plants and/or Florida Friendly Landscaping.
• Learn more about conserving water outdoors at one of our landscaping workshops and from the UF/IFAS Extension Office.

Check your irrigation system during “Smart Irrigation Month”

The City of Winter Garden encourages homeowners to observe “Smart Irrigation Month” by taking a moment to tune up their irrigation systems and check their rain shut-off devices. Each year the Irrigation Association designates July as “Smart Irrigation Month” to raise awareness about how residents can improve irrigation efficiency, conserve water, lower their water bills, reduce runoff and eliminate waste by following a few simple steps.

• Inspecting Your Irrigation System

Inspection is the key to having an effective, efficient irrigation system. Irrigation systems are exposed to the elements, lawn mowers, vehicles, and more so they should be inspected and adjusted on a monthly basis.

• Inspecting Your Rain Shutoff Device

Rain shutoff devices, also known as rain sensors, or other technology that interrupts the operation of an irrigation system, such as soil moisture sensors, are required by Florida law on all automatic irrigation systems. These devices are an important part of your irrigation system.

• Checking & Setting Your Irrigation Controller

Controllers should be programmed according to your landscaping and irrigation system.  The program should be checked regularly in case of power outages and poor batteries.  Programs should be adjusted seasonally and in compliance with the Winter Garden Irrigation Ordinance.

Homeowners may also consider upgrading their irrigation systems to include microirrigation and soil moisture sensor-based controllers. Microirrigation is often used in plant beds because it is more efficient, watering just the roots. Most soil moisture sensors operate by evaluating soil moisture conditions and then either allow the scheduled irrigation cycle to occur or not.

For more irrigation information, please visit www.irrigation.org, SJRWMD, and UF/IFAS.  Information is also available at City Hall, 300 W. Plant Street.

The City’s Water Conservation Department can provide basic irrigation evaluations, assistance with controller programming, and provide tips on landscaping practices & design to reduce water consumption.  Detailed audits and some repairs may require hiring a certified irrigation professional.

For more information about irrigation contractors, please visit the Florida Irrigation Society and Irrigation Association websites.

What is Your Water Footprint? (by H2O Conserve)

The H2O Conserve Water Calculator is an interactive tool designed to help you figure out how much water you use, how you use it and how you can use less. CLICK HERE to calculate your water footprint.

Educational Resources

Click on any of the following links to learn more about protecting our water resources.

Teachers 
St. Johns River Water Management District, SJRWMD Publications, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Natural Resource Conservation Service, The Ground Water Foundation, Oakland Nature Preserve, Florida 4-H, and Orange County .

Fun for Kids
Raleigh’s Den, Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Kid's Page, EPA WaterSense Kids, The Groundwater Foundation, The Story of Drinking Water, and Environmental Kids Club.

Lending Library

Legal Protection for Florida Friendly Landscaping

Governor Charlie Crist signed Senate Bill 2080 into law on June 30, 2009, amending Chapter 373.185 Florida Statutes, which contains a provision regarding Florida Friendly Landscaping.

Frequently Asked Questions about Florida-Friendly Landscapes (FDEP)

Residential Retrofits for Water Conservation

The St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) has introduced a new tier in its Florida Water StarSM (FWS) program to provide existing homeowners water conserving opportunities.  Click HERE for more information.

Irrigation & Outdoor Watering Notice

Daylight Savings Time irrigation rules are in effect as of Sunday, March 14, 2010 through November 7, 2010. Irrigation is allowed up to two (2) days per week. Conserve water and save money by irrigating only when your lawn needs it though!  For information on watering and irrigation, please click here.

Irrigation Rules Summary

Installing New Landscaping or Sod? - CLICK HERE

Professional Resources

Florida Irrigation Society
Standards and Specifications for Turf and Landscape Irrigation Systems
Irrigation Association
Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association
Association of Florida Native Nurseries
Florida Water Star
EPA Water Sense
Florida Green Industries Best Management Practices
UF/IFAS Extension Center
Program for Resource Efficient Communities
Florida Green Building Coalition
U.S. Green Building Council