Though Hillsborough County is no longer in a drought, water conservation practices are still needed to ensure Floridians responsibly utilize the water available and keep their utilities bill down.
The up to two days a week water schedule is still firmly in place, with residents able to water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Even-numbered addresses water on Thursday and Sunday and odd-numbered addresses water on Wednesday and Saturday.
“Because we’re not currently in a drought a lot of the water restrictions have been lifted,” Mark Woodward, the city’s water conservation coordinator, said. “However, conservative practices are still needed. It’s a lot of just basic tips. We don’t have to get really fancy if we’re going to try and save water. Most folks are wanting to save some dollars as well and the more water you use the more you pay.”
Approximately half of most residents’ water usage derives from landscaping and outdoor use.Simple tips like washing your car in the grass, turning off your faucet when you brush your teeth, having low flow shower heads and making sure your hose and sprinklers have an automatic shutoff can go a long way toward reducing your water bill.
The toilet is one of the largest hidden water guzzlers. Though many are low-flow now, a small leak could cause it to lose 200 gallons of water in a single day. Woodward said whenever he hears it running his first instinct is to jiggle the handle and hope it stops. A much larger issue could be at play, however, and he said it is essential you keep your eye on how much water it is losing.
A new survey by the University of Florida found that homeowners who regularly irrigate their lawn also value conservation practices. It’s no longer lush lawns vs. a clean lifestyle. The UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences found that one third of the 1,620 urban residents surveyed felt passionately about both the aesthetics of the lawn and the environment.
But most are realizing a pleasing front yard doesn’t have to come at the expense of hundreds of gallons of water. Woodward said Plant City rarely has instances where residents have to be reprimanded for violating the water restrictions.
Occasionally he, or even Plant City Police Department, will stop and warn someone about having sprinklers on during a non-water day, but usually, residents abide by the rules. Accidents do happen and Woodward said he has had a few calls where residents accidentally left their water hose on overnight, which can spill more than 400 gallons of water an hour.
The major issue at hand is residents failing to account for the frequent and often heavy rains for the summer months.
“There’s been some times when I’m driving in the pouring rain and I look over and see someone’s irrigation system on,” Woodward said. “It is just wasting so much water and money. If your system has a rain sensor do not turn it off. If it’s not functioning properly it’s crucial you get it fixed.”
Though the weather can be temperamental, checking to see if there will be rain in the next 48 hours can save you from overwatering. If it’s a clear sky Woodward said most average-size lawns only need 10 to 20 minutes of watering to keep pristine condition.
As for other issues, the department offers free faucets, nozzles, hose kits and other amenities for those who call. Getting residents to conserve water is a top priority and the city is leading by example with its irrigation system. Regardless of whether or not the state is in a drought it only waters once a week, keeping the city looking lush while reducing its environmental impact.
As things change the department will update its website and the city’s, utility’s and Recreation and Parks Department’s Facebook pages will reflect any changes. Woodward also sends out a citywide email to update officials on what is going on in case residents have any questions. Inquiries can also be sent to Woodward at 813-659-4298 ext. 4903.