Water Conservation Month: SWFWMD promotes water-saving tips

One encouragement for saving water is to use a hose with a shut-off nozzle.

With April being one of the driest months in Florida and water demand typically reaching its peak, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is promoting water conservation efforts throughout the month.

The SWFWMD Governing Board officially declared April as Water Conservation Month, emphasizing the importance of protecting Florida’s water resources. The district suggests residents take the following steps to conserve water both indoors and outdoors:

Indoors:

* Run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher.

* Wash lightly soiled laundry on a shorter cycle.

* Thaw food in the refrigerator or microwave instead of under running water.

* Scrape dishes instead of rinsing before loading the dishwasher.

* Replace showerheads, faucets, and toilets with high-efficiency models.

Outdoors:

* Check home irrigation systems for leaks.

* Turn off irrigation systems and only water as needed.

* **Don’t leave sprinklers unattended.**

* Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle when washing the car.

* Consider installing a rain barrel and drip irrigation for your landscaping. **Rainwater is free and better for your plants because it doesn’t contain hard minerals.**

The SWFWMD also provided a bonus tip for detecting leaks, one of the main causes of water waste. Residents can check for hidden leaks by reading their water meter. To do this, ensure no water is being used, record the meter reading, wait 30 minutes without using water, and then check the reading again. If the reading changes, there’s likely a leak.

Learn more at WaterMatters.org/Water101​.