In March, the average gallon of gas cost $3.13 in Osceola County. At grocery stores, a gallon of milk was about $3.74. But a gallon of water from the tap? Just around 2 cents. While these numbers show the cost, they don’t reflect the true value of each item. Sure, we rely on gas for transportation and milk for strong bones—but what about the water we drink every day? At Toho Water Authority (Toho), we believe water is invaluable, and we work every day to conserve it.
That’s why Toho celebrates Water Conservation Month every April. This initiative promotes responsible water usage to protect our supply for current and future generations. Now in its 27th year, Water Conservation Month underscores our community’s commitment to preserving this essential resource. This year, Toho, Osceola County, the City of St. Cloud and the City of Kissimmee have all officially proclaimed April as Water Conservation Month, reinforcing a shared dedication to sustainability.
In 2025, Water Conservation Month focuses on irrigation system evaluations. Did you know that Toho offers this service to customers at no cost? Our team will visit your home to inspect your irrigation system, ensure its functioning efficiently, help identify leaks and verify that it’s set to the correct watering schedule. This service helps you use only the water necessary to keep your lawn healthy—often reducing your monthly bill in the process.
So, what can you do this month to conserve water outdoors?
• Consider adding Florida native plants to your landscaping. Native plants are adapted to Florida’s climate, requiring little more water than what they receive naturally. They also add beauty to your garden, attract native butterflies and promote biodiversity.
• Mulch your plants to help retain moisture and reduce evaporation. Using mulch or alternative ground cover decreases the amount of water needed to maintain your outdoor spaces.
• Ensure your rain sensor is working! It’s Florida law for your home to have a functioning rain sensor so that when it rains, your irrigation system doesn’t run unnecessarily.
Looking for more ways to conserve water throughout April? Here are some tips:
• Always use a reusable water bottle.
• Only run dishwashers and washing machines when they are full.
• Wash cars and pets on grass instead of concrete.
• Challenge yourself to take a five-minute shower!
For even more tips, join Toho at one of our Conservation Conversations in partnership with the Osceola Library System throughout April. Visit tohowater.com for more details. While you’re on our website, sign the conservation pledge to show your commitment to saving water!
We are also celebrating Water Conservation Month by hosting our first-ever Movie in the Park! In partnership with the City of St. Cloud, join us on April 26 at Hopkins Park for a fun and free event. Starting at 6 p.m., we’ll have games, activities, giveaways and special appearances from Toho’s mascot Hydro and the City of St. Cloud’s Sami the Sandhill Crane. Then, at 7:30 p.m., we’ll watch “Moana” under the stars.
Conserving water not only ensures its availability for future generations but also offers financial savings. Challenge yourself to save some money this April and keep up those good habits for benefits that last all year long!
