April is Water Conservation Month

The Ocala water tower is shown in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

The city of Ocala is joining the state of Florida by proclaiming April as Water Conservation Month for the 26^th year running.

With Ocala’s close proximity to Silver Springs, citizens can play a crucial role in water preservation.

“The city of Ocala is calling upon each citizen and business to help protect our precious resource by practicing water-saving measures and becoming more aware of the need to save water,” said Mayor Ben Marciano in a proclamation on April 2.

The city offers several tips to preserve water, not only in April but every month:

• Look for leaks: Keep an eye on any leaks that could occur in outdoor hoses, sinks, toilets, showers and other faucets. Ocala Electric Utility customers can sign up to receive notifications for potential leaks and monitor water usage.
• Water wisely: Irrigate only by necessity to reduce usage when watering your lawn. Follow irrigation restrictions and adjust controls to water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on assigned irrigation days.
• Irrigation restrictions: During Daylight Savings Time, odd-numbered addressed and properties with no address may only irrigate on Wednesday and Saturday. Even-numbered addresses may only irrigate on Thursday and Sunday.
• Plant Florida Friendly: Choose plants that match the light, soil and water conditions of where you’re planting them. Adding mulch around your plants can also help retain moisture.

Information courtesy of the city of Ocala

“The state and UF estimates that about 50% to 60% of all potable water use is used outdoors,” said Ocala Water Resources Conservation Coordinator Gabriela Sullivan. “So that’s something that we can all work together to help save our precious water resources.”

The city asks for citizens to be especially conscious of outdoor water use, saying that following irrigation restrictions is invaluable to conservation.

“Every business industry, school and citizen can make a difference when it comes to conserving water and can help by saving water and thus promote the healthy economy and community,” Marciano said.