-
Toho Water
April is Water Conservation Month! Despite the saying “April showers bring May flowers,” April is actually the driest month in Florida. This month is observed nationally to educate the public about how to manage water resources wisely, and to promote the need to conserve water.
Water conservation is important because all of the water we use in Florida comes from the Floridian Aquifer, a natural underground freshwater reservoir. If we use the water faster than the aquifer can replace it through naturally occurring rainfall, we run the risk of depleting our needed water resource.
To recognize the month-long celebration, Toho Water Authority offers its customers several opportunities to make their homes and communities a more sustainable place to live.
The month is packed with landscape workshops, classes and giveaways, all free to Toho customers.
One of the most popular events being hosted is the Showerhead Exchange Program. The program allows customers to trade their old, high-flow showerheads for new, low-flow devices at no charge.
Customers can also receive kitchen and bathroom aerators, which decrease the amount of water flow during each use.
In the landscape workshops, participants will learn the nine principles of Florida-Friendly landscaping and the types of landscaping used for yard design. Those interested in attending events should visit http://ow.ly/MA0Y50NyxQP for location, time and eligibility information.
What YOU can do to conserve water!
Leaks: A faucet can leak when the washers and gaskets get older, this can waste 20 gallons of water per day at one drip per second. Check faucets and pipes for leaks by looking for surface water.
Shower: Consider replacing your showerhead with a more water-efficient model if your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in under 20 seconds. You can also use pipe tape to secure a tight connection between the showerhead and the pipe stem if you notice leaks. Another quick tip is to take shorter showers!
Devices: Run your dishwasher and washing machine only when they are full. Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
Outdoor Plants: Choose native plants that are adapted to Florida and need less water. Consider adding mulch to your garden to reduce evaporation. This decreases the amount of water needed for a garden by as much as 50%.
Lawn: To make your lawns more tolerant to dry weather, never mow more than 1/3 of the grass height. Inspect your irrigation system by turning on each zone and look for broken or misdirected sprinkler heads.
Try out some of these water saving activities throughout Water Conservation Month. Toho invites you to attend some of our upcoming events and to take the pledge to be a water hero.
