SOUTH FLORIDA Water Shortage

RestrictionsSeptember 2008

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Our water supply comes from RAIN Our water supply comes from RAIN

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Rainfall DeficitRainfall Deficit

• South Florida averages 52 inches of rain per year

• Almost 45 inches “lost” to evaporation and transpiration

52” of rain

45” lost

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Focus on IrrigationFocus on Irrigation

• Landscape irrigation accounts for up to half of all household water consumption in Florida

• Restricting the days and times that water is used for irrigation helps stretch limited supplies during emergencies

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Know the Rules in Effect for Your AreaKnow the Rules in Effect for Your Area

• To keep up-to-date on restrictions in your area call our hotline (800-662-8876)

• …or visit our website www.sfwmd.gov/conserve

WATER SHORTAGE RESTRICTIONSNOW IN EFFECT

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2008 Water Restrictions2008 Water Restrictions

South Florida Water Management District: Broward, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie

South Florida Water Management District: Orange and Osceola

Southwest Florida Water Management District: Charlotte, Highlands and Polk

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If You Live in…If You Live in…

• Broward, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties

• Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach and Lake Worth

• City of Cape Coral in Lee County

• Orange and Osceola

• Charlotte, Highlands and Polk

SFWMD

SFWMD

SWFWMD

SFWMD

SFWMD

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Washing Cars, Boats and EquipmentWashing Cars, Boats and Equipment

• Washing cars, boats and equipment allowed anytime

• Should be done on or drain to a non-paved surface

• Best to use an automatic shut-off nozzle or low volume pressure cleaner

• No restrictions on low-volume pressure cleaners

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Applies to all sources of water except RECLAIMED!Applies to all sources of water except RECLAIMED!

• Water-use restrictions DO apply to all sources from public utilities, private wells and all surface waters such as canals, lakes, ponds and rivers.

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Restrictions are mandatoryRestrictions are mandatory

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Synchronize your sprinkling scheduleSynchronize your sprinkling schedule

Follow water-use restrictionsFollow water-use restrictions• Set your automatic system to

allowable day/time• Use a rain switch on automatic

systems

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How to help drought-proof your lawnHow to help drought-proof your lawn

Use plants that are drought tolerant Water deeply / less frequently Keep mower blades sharp

and raise the blade Fertilize your lawn with 2%

or less phosphorus

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Tips for inside the homeTips for inside the home

• It’s easy to reduce your water use -change your habits:

Repair leaky fixtures Turn off the faucet when brushing

your teeth or rinsing vegetables Take shorter showers Install low-flow toilets/showerheads Don’t use toilet as a waste basket Wash full laundry and dish loads

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Do the Math…Do the Math…

Water conservation pays

• One drop per second from a leakyfaucet =

2,700 gallons per year!

• In a city of 10,000 homes =27,000,000 gallons per

year!

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YOU can make a differenceFor more water shortage restriction informationvisit www.sfwmd.gov/conserveor call our Water RestrictionHOTLINE: 800-662-8876

For more water conservationinformation visitwww.savewaterfl.com