April is officially deemed Water Conservation Month in Florida! This means that daily life changes need to be made in order to bring awareness to our water usage and the ways in which we can easily conserve. Thus far we have successfully brought this month in with some welcomed heavy showers. However, despite the recent heavy rains we've had, lower then average rainfall up to this point of the year, unfortunately means dryer conditions are expected to continue.

In a place like Florida, where our last October was the driest it's ever been, we must welcome the rain like it is a long lost friend. Our wetlands and the ecosystems that rely on them need the rain to survive. We, as humans, are just as dependent upon a clean water source. This is why we must have a designated month to conserving water, our most precious natural resource. As you may well know, our drinking water in Florida comes from subsurface aquifers that are filtered through multiple layers of water bearing limestone. The amount of water in our water tables makes it possible for us to drink fresh pure water. When rain does not come down as usual our water tables go below average and many problems could occur. Taking community wide action now can help prevent a future water shortage. Since SWFMD has deemed Pinellas County to be in a Phase I moderate water shortage they are asking that residents limit their indoor water use, test their irrigation systems and follow watering schedules.

In order to determine how you can conserve water within our own households I challenge you to take the South Florida Water Management District water use test. After taking my own I was simply disappointed and amazed at my water usage, especially considering how very little I use water. For example, I practice a "yellow mellow" policy at my home, I wash my clothes once a month, I do dishes a few days a week for only a few minutes and I never leave the water running while I brush my teeth. Even with all that I conserve, I use an average of 33 gallons of water a day! So, take the water use test in order to find out where you can make simple changes to conserve water. Once you have established where you can cut back, evaluate the simple changes and implement them into your daily life.

Start by minimizing indoor water usage activities such as frequent showers, washing laundry (be sure to wash a full load at a time) and letting water run unnecessarily. Be conscientious of how long you run the water when you are doing dishes and especially when you are brushing your teeth (brushing your teeth for three minutes and leaving the water running can waste 7.5 gallons of water). You can also try getting a wash tub for doing your dishes in and as long as there is no meat in the water and you use biodegradable, phosphate free soap then you can pour it back in to the earth when you are done doing your dishes (hand washing with faucet running for 18 minutes uses 24-45 gallons of water). By adopting a yellow mellow policy you can save up to 5-7 gallons of water per flush! If you are interested in taking it one step further and especially if you own your own home and interested in a more long term commitment then try replacing your old toilet for a super low flow one. Follow this link for more water conserving faucets and other gadgets. After all, by installing a low flow showerhead, whether you rent or own, you can conserve 12 gallons per minute while you bathe and sing. On the more technical side of things, it is important to check for water leaks in your home. You can do so by turning off all of the water at your house and simultaneously checking the water meter outside. Read the meter again after about 20 minutes and if the meter has not moved then you do not have a leak. If you do have leaks then find them! It will conserve our precious water and save you money on your water bill! Last but not least, be sure to follow your watering schedules. This is especially important in periods of drought, which we are certainly in. Go to this website to find the necessary information on your landscape watering restrictions in Pinellas County.

Florida has a precious system of fresh water and according to Pinellas County Utilities less than 1% of the World's water supply is suitable to use; therefore we must protect this great resource as best as possible and stop treating it as if it is an unending resource. We must be kind to all of the precious lives that depend upon fresh water and remember always: we all live downstream!