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Conserve Florida Water News

Marion, Alachua counties get water-conservation grant - Gainesville Sun

Marion County Utilities and Gainesville Regional Utilities are two of multiple utilities that will get part of a St. Johns River Water Management District conservation grant to help customers save water. The water district board voted Tuesday to set aside $2.1 million to help fund conservation projects throughout northeast and central Florida.

New Book: Water Conservation for Small and Medium-Sized Utilities!

By Deborah Green. Written for utilities serving fewer than 100,000 customers, this book provides practical advice and guidance for implementing a water conservation program. With a menu of possible conservation techniques and approaches from which to choose, the book lets you customize a program for your utility’s particular needs, issues, and customers, regardless of your geographic location. Worksheets offer a step-by-step approach to help you decide which techniques will best benefit your utility and community. Includes benefit–cost analysis charts and tables, sample conservation programs, and recommended budgets. Published By American Water Works Association Edition: 2010 - Softbound - 167 pp. ISBN 978-1-58321-746-7 - Catalog No. 20646

SRWMD assists Lake City with reclaimed water system

The Suwannee River Water Management District (District) is working with the City of Lake City to develop a reclaimed water program that will offset groundwater use by making reuse water available for irrigation to crop sites, residential subdivisions and other large users.

Local governments proclaim April as Water Conservation Month

Boards of county commissioners and at least one city council within the Suwannee River Water Management District (District) have joined hundreds of other local governments, public utilities, agencies and interest groups statewide in proclaiming April as Water Conservation Month.

Year-Round Water Conservation Begins In South Florida

“The move from emergency landscape irrigation restrictions to year-round water conservation measures marks a historic turning point for South Florida,” said SFWMD Governing Board Chairman Eric Buermann. “Water conservation in our region can no longer be a reaction to short-term adversity. Conservation has become a proactive strategy to protect water resources for the long-term benefit of our environment and our communities.”

Check your irrigation system when you spring forward

Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, residents may only water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Properties more than two acres in size may only water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Under the current Modified Phase II restrictions, lawn and landscape watering remains limited to a one-day-per-week schedule. Please check with your local government or utility for your watering day.

Board proclaims April Water Conservation Month

The St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board today approved a proclamation designating April as Water Conservation Month to encourage awareness about the importance of water conservation. "Water conservation is a critical strategy in meeting the current and future water supply needs of our state," said Susan Hughes, chairwoman of the District's Governing Board. "The District has been committed to water conservation for many years and the District's support of Water Conservation Month for the past 12 years has helped bring awareness to the importance of conservation."

Two-day-a-week watering restrictions resume March 14

Coinciding with the return to daylight saving time on Sunday, March 14, landscape irrigation will be allowed up to two days a week after 4 p.m. and before 10 a.m. across the 18 counties within the St. Johns River Water Management District. Under the restrictions adopted in March 2009, landscape irrigation is limited to two days a week during daylight saving time and one day a week during Eastern Standard Time, which resumes Nov. 7, 2010.

New Gate Petroleum store receives first Florida Water Star commercial certification in northeast Florida

The St. Johns River Water Management District today recognized Gate Petroleum for its water conservation efforts by completing the first Florida Water Star-certified commercial facility in northeast Florida at its new Hendricks Avenue convenience store.

Final Specification for Showerheads Released

On March 4, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense program released its Final Specification for Showerheads. Manufacturers can now submit their showerheads for testing to earn the WaterSense label, and consumers can renovate their bathrooms with the full suite of WaterSense labeled products.

Georgia Passes Water Efficiency Legislation

On March 18, 2010 the State of Georgia enacted the Water Stewardship Bill, a comprehensive law which requires higher efficiency standards for toilets, faucets, urinals and cooling towers, standardized water loss reporting by public water utilities, metering of multi-family, commercial and industrial construction, and a statewide outdoor watering schedule. Only two other states, California and Texas, have adopted similar high efficiency plumbing standards which take effect in 2014, but Georgia’s new law goes a step further by requiring compliance by July, 2012. Georgia is also the first state to require by state law the sub-metering of multi-unit residential, commercial and industrial buildings in addition to billing based on the actual water use.

International Green Construction Code

In 2009, the International Code Council launched the development of a new International Green Construction Code initiative, sub-titled “Safe and Sustainable: By the Book,” committing to developing a model code focused on new and existing commercial buildings addressing green building design and performance. The initial project of drafting of the IGCC Public Version 1.0 was undertaken with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the ASTM International. Ultimately the IGCC Public Version 1.0 added new partners ASHRAE, USGBC and IES with the inclusion of ASHRAE Standard 189.1 as an option for jurisdictional requirements.

State to have trouble meeting water needs. By Ron Word - Gainesville Sun

Despite receiving more than 54 inches of rain a year and having 7,700 lakes, 50,000 miles of rivers and streams and more than 700 springs, Florida will have problems supplying enough water to satisfy the needs of its 18 million residents, a Senate committee was told Thursday. The Senate Select Committee on Florida's Inland Water, which held hearings across Florida, approved its final report Thursday. Many of its recommendations will appear in legislation later before the Senate.

Residents asked to be more proactive in conserving water. By Fred Hiers - Gainesville Sun

Water conservation has been the focus of the St. Johns River Water Management District lately as the agency moves toward establishing tough goals for the 16 counties under its jurisdiction, including Marion and Alachua. The district board met Monday in its third and final conservation workshop. The next step: set goals and rules for utilities by June and hold public hearings throughout summer. The workshops were scheduled after many Floridians, opposed to tapping more ground and surface waters to meet rising water demands, pressured the agency to establish tougher conservation goals for utilities. The water district proposal carries clout because the agency issues water-use permits and can withhold additional water among its 16 counties if it feels a utility isn't doing all it can to conserve. Florida uses about 7 billion gallons per day of fresh water.

WaterSMART Initiative

On Tuesday, February 23, 2010, the Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar signed a Secretarial Order establishing a new water sustainability strategy for the United States, and a kickoff program was convened in Las Vegas with over 150 key water stakeholders. Mary Ann Dickinson, Alliance for Water Efficiency President and CEO, was one of the event speakers in Las Vegas. The "SMART" in WaterSMART stands for "Sustain and Manage America's Resources for Tomorrow."

DOE Institutes Enforcement Action Against Four Showerhead Manufacturers for Failure to Certify 116 Products

The Office of General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has issued Notices of Proposed Civil Penalty to Zoe Industries, Altmans Products LLC, EZ-FLO International, and Watermark Designs, Ltd. for failing to certify to the DOE that showerheads manufactured or distributed by these companies meet the applicable water conservation standard as required by the Energy Policy Conservation Act and DOE’s regulations. These Notices of Proposed Civil Penalty collectively propose payments to the government of over $3 million. Unless the manufacturers settle these claims within thirty days, the Department will file actions either in District Court or with an Administrative Law Judge to demand payment for the failure to certify their products.

District extends water restrictions

The Governing Board voted to maintain most of the Phase II water shortage restrictions as the District’s water resources continue to recover from the four-year drought. The District is still suffering from a 28-inch rainfall deficit for the past 48 months.

Spreadsheet version of the toilet testing results is available at Veritec site

Veritec has now tested more than 700 different toilet models as part of MaP

15th Edition - Maximum Performance (MaP) TESTING - a new and better measurement of toilet performance!

The Maximum Performance (MaP) testing project was undertaken in 2003 in order to identify how well popular toilet models perform using a realistic test media. A new testing protocol, cooperatively developed by water-efficiency and plumbing fixture specialists in the U.S. and Canada, incorporated the use of soybean paste as a test media, closely replicating the "real world demand" upon fixtures. Performance testing of 80 different toilet fixture models was completed and summarized in the Final Report (December 2003). Now in its FIFTEENTH EDITION, the current MaP testing report provides performance information on OVER 1,220 different toilet fixture models

Conserve Florida Water Clearinghouse wins Best Paper at the 2009 FSAWWA Conference

“Methods for Estimating Commercial, Industrial and Institutional Water Use” was selected as one of the 2009 FSAWWA Conference Best Papers. Miguel Morales, Jacqueline Martin, and James P. Heaney are the authors. Miguel is a graduate student at the University of Florida's Environmental Engineering Sciences Department, and a researcher with the Conserve Florida Water Clearinghouse.

New Search Function - Conserve Florida Water Clearinghouse Website

You can now search, from one location, the most relevant sources on water conservations around the country.

Corporate Water Accounting: An Analysis of Methods and Tools for Measuring Water Use and Its Impact

This report aims to fulfill the need to clarify commonalities and differences among existing and emerging water accounting methodologies and tools being used in the private sector.

SRWMD sets public hearing on Florida Forever Work Plan

The Suwannee River Water Management District (District) invites the public to provide comment on updates to its proposed 2010 Florida Forever Work Plan during its next Governing Board meeting on December 8 at 9 a.m. at Bronson Town Hall, 650 Oak Street, Bronson.

SFWMD Monitors Fast-Falling Water Levels Across South Florida

With the dry season under way and negligible rainfall from Orlando to the Florida Keys during the past week, water levels across South Florida are falling rapidly. Additionally, last month was the fourth-driest October in South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) records dating back to 1932.

District asks homeowners to "Skip a Week" of irrigation this winter

The Southwest Florida Water Management District recently launched a new campaign to encourage residents who irrigate their lawns to “Skip a Week” of watering during the cooler months of December, January and February. According to research by the University of Florida, grass doesn’t need to be watered as often during the cooler months. In fact, one-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10–14 days is sufficient.

Governing Board to discuss rule changes to increase water conservation

The St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board at 1 p.m. on Dec. 7 will hold the second of two public workshops to discuss concepts to improve water conservation through potential changes in agency rules. The workshop will be held in the Governing Board Room at the District's headquarters, 4049 Reid St., Palatka. The purpose of the workshop is to allow the Board to continue discussing proposed concepts to enhance water conservation, and to hear views of water suppliers, local governments and members of the public. Workshop discussions are focusing on conservation relating specifically to public water supply, which is the water use category with the most significant projected growth.

Draft Specification for Weather-Based Irrigation Controllers Announced

WaterSense released the draft specification for weather-based irrigation controllers. The draft specification will be open for review and comment through January 18, 2009.

The House of Representatives approved H.R. 3598, the Energy and Water Research Integration Act.

This bill directs the Secretary of Energy, in coordination with other relevant federal agencies, to establish the Energy-Water Architecture Council (EWAC) to provide improved energy and water resource data collection, reporting, and the technological innovation.

County Water Conservation Website

Alachua County has launched a new website that promotes water conservation and will provide updates on their current Water Conservation Initiative. This initiative is in response to a Board of County Commissioners request for a comprehensive inventory of effective strategies and techniques to achieve more water conservation, and less water consumption, in Alachua County.

Plan re-emerges to shift water resources across Florida

By Craig Pittman, Times staff writer In Print: Saturday, October 31, 2009. Six years ago, Florida's business leaders came up with a plan to create a state water commission that could route water from sleepy North Florida to supply the booming development in South Florida. But their plan proved so controversial that Gov. Jeb Bush scuttled it. Now it's back.

Per Capita Water Use in the U.S. Drops

New data just released by the US Geological Survey (USGS) shows that total water use in the United States dropped slightly in the five-year period ending in 2005 even while the nation’s population and economy grew. This improvement in the efficiency of water use continues a trend that began in the late 1970s, and total freshwater use in the U.S. is now lower than it was in 1975. Translated to water use per person, per-capita water use in the U.S. is down to 1383 gallons per-person per-day – a level not seen since the 1950s!

Tampa Bay Regional Water Supply and Drought Index November 2009

Surface water availability declined throughout October with some available flow utilized from the Alafia basin. Rainfall totals across the Tampa Bay region for October were slightly below normal.

14 Florida Keys Hotels and Motels Become Water CHAMPs

After introducing the Water Conservation Hotel and Motel Program (Water CHAMP) to the Florida Keys in August, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has enrolled 14 lodging facilities in the water-saving program.

SFWMD Remains Cautious Entering Dry Season, Conservation is Key

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) entered the 2009-2010 dry season this month with a cautious outlook as water levels began falling after average wet-season rains. "The challenge for water managers is finding a balance between the health of the natural system, water supply and flood control for approximately 7.5 million residents," said Susan Sylvester, SFWMD director of the Operations Control and Hydro Data Management Department. "While it is too early to predict how the dry season will unfold, water conservation remains the best strategy to help achieve that delicate balance amid the variability in Florida’s weather."

Water restrictions eased for Southern counties

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board voted to ease water restrictions for Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto and Charlotte counties.

Residential customers eligible to receive toilet rebate

Charlotte County Utilities residential customers are now eligible to participate in a toilet rebate program aimed at conserving water. The toilet rebate program, which is cooperatively funded by the county and the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Peace River Basin Board, offers rebates to replace high-volume toilets with water-efficient, low-flow toilets or high-efficiency toilets. Low-flow toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush or less while high-efficiency toilets use about 1.28 gallons per flush. Residential customers must be current Charlotte County Utilities water customers with toilets that were made and installed before 1995 and use 3.5 gallons of water or more per flush. Up to two toilets per household may be replaced.

City of Lakeland Water Utilities customers eligible to receive toilet rebates

The toilet rebate program, which is cooperatively funded by the city and the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Alafia River, Peace River and Hillsborough River Basin Boards, offers rebates to replace high-volume toilets with water-efficient, low-flow toilets or high-efficiency toilets. Low-flow toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush or less while high-efficiency toilets use about 1.28 gallons per flush. The program will also offer participants water conserving replacement fixtures for high-volume indoor uses including 2.5-gallon-per-minute showerheads to replace those that use 4 gallons per minute or greater. Also included are faucet aerators that will reduce water use in sinks to 2.2 gallons per minute in kitchens and 1.5 gallons per minute in bathrooms.

Irrigation limited to one day a week beginning Nov. 1

Last March, the District adopted more stringent watering restrictions to ensure the efficient use of water for lawn and landscape irrigation. One of the most important ways to help meet Florida's water supply needs for today and the future is through conservation.

Water supply planning meetings continue throughout District

The St. Johns River Water Management District has scheduled additional meetings to encourage public participation in the development of the District Water Supply Plan (DWSP) 2010 and review of the draft District Water Supply Assessment (WSA) 2008.

Final Specification for Flushing Urinals

With the release of the Flushing Urinals Final Specification, EPA's WaterSense program has given manufacturers who produce urinal fixtures and flushing devices meeting EPA’s efficiency and performance criteria, the opportunity to earn the WaterSense label.

WaterSense Announces 2009 Partners of the Year

On October 7, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recognized a select group of WaterSense partners for their outstanding accomplishments and efforts in water efficiency.

USGS Releases Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2005

On October 27, 2009 the US Geological Survey (USGS) released the Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 2005 report which indicates that the estimated total amount of water withdrawn in 2005 was slightly less than estimates in 2000.

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Approves S. 1733, Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee today approved climate change legislation containing significant water efficiency provisions.

CEC Wins Clothes Washer Standards Case

The Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the California Energy Commission (CEC) in it's lawsuit over the Department of Energy's (DOE) denial of the CEC petition for waiver from preemption. The waiver, if granted, would allow California to implement water conservation standards for residential clothes washers that are significantly stronger than federal minimums.

Evaluation of smart irrigation controllers: Initial bench testing results

Based on the findings of this study, all smart controllers evaluated produced excessive irrigation amounts. There are several possible causes of this over-irrigation, which may include improper ETo values, and insufficient accounting for rainfall. These results indicate that the use of on-site sensors reduces the amount of excess irrigation compared to ET controllers.

Performance of “Smart” Irrigation Controllers in California

Peter Mayer and his colleagues at Aquacraft, Inc. and the National Research Center recently published the results of a report titled: Evaluation of California Weather-based “Smart” Irrigation Controller Programs. The key results from a study of 2,294 installations are presented below: Weather-based “smart” irrigation controllers, while a valuable tool, are not a “magic bullet” for achieving perfect irrigation control and water savings. On average smart controllers are a moderately effective measure for reducing the amount of water applied by automatic irrigation systems, while maintaining the health, and appearance of landscapes. When seeking irrigation water savings, the pre-existing level of excess irrigation at the site is the most important factor to consider. The water savings achieved through installation of smart controllers can be maximized by targeting the technology to irrigators with historically high irrigation application rates, not simply customers with high irrigation use. The many irrigators who historically apply less than the theoretical irrigation requirement for their landscape are likely to increase their irrigation application rate after installing a smart controller. Survey results indicate that smart controllers are likely to achieve a high degree of customer acceptance once they more broadly penetrate the consciousness of irrigation contractors and the general public. The utility programs implemented through the DWR grant have succeed in raising public awareness of this technology, but survey results suggest most consumers have no knowledge of smart irrigation control. Smart controllers can achieve cost effective water savings for utilities and irrigators under some cost and pricing scenarios; however this technology will not be cost effective for all utilities and customers. Most of the smart control brands and technologies evaluated in this study reduced irrigation demands on average, but not all of these reductions were statistically significant.

Water Loss Management: Conservation Option in Florida’s Urban Water Systems

The focus of this article ismethodologies to estimate water loss in public water supply systems in Florida as part of a water conservation plan.

Tampa Bay Regional Water Supply and Drought Index September 2009

Surface water availability varied significantly throughout August as lack of consistent rainfall patterns continued. Rainfall totals across the Tampa Bay region for August were about 1.7 inches below normal.

SRWMD sets meeting to address water supply planning for the Upper Santa Fe

The workshop will provide details about the combined efforts between the SRWMD and the St. Johns River Water Management District for the water supply planning process in northeast Florida. The water supply plan for the USFRB will address water availability in the basin to meet water demands over the next 20 years.

DeLand providing rebate for Florida Water Star(SM) home

On Sept. 21, the city of DeLand will present the first rebate check for Florida Water Star certification to a local builder. Gallery Homes will receive a check for $724 for having a home certified to meet Florida Water StarSM requirements. The rebate consists of a $50 building permit fee rebate and a 15 percent reduction in water and sewer impact fees. The offer will be open to all homebuilders in DeLand.

WaterSense Information Request Renewa

On July 28, 2009, EPA published a notice in the Federal Register requesting comments on the renewal of the WaterSense Information Collection Request (ICR). The ICR outlines the type of information collected by the program in support of its partnerships, products, and services.

Draft Specification for Showerheads Announced

On September 24, 2009, WaterSense released the draft Specification for Showerheads. The draft specification will be open for review and comment through November 9, 2009.

Tampa Bay Regional Water Supply and Drought Index August 2009

Surface water availability varied significantly throughout July as lack of consistent rainfall patterns continued. Rainfall totals across the Tampa Bay region for July were about 0.5 inches above normal. River flows declined from above-normal early in the month to below-normal at month end. Stored water supplies have increased. The regional water supply conditions moved from a Critical Water Shortage into a Phase III Extreme Water Shortage condition. Water stored in the regional reservoir increased daily through July and reached about 6.5 billion gallons in early August.

Workshops to Introduce Water CHAMP to Hotels, Motels in Florida Keys

Developed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District in 2002, Water CHAMP is a free public education program that helps hotels and motels save water, improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs. The SFWMD is piloting the program in South Florida with lodging facilities in the Florida Keys that have fewer than 100 rooms. The program is initially being targeted at establishments not yet certified by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as Florida Green Lodging facilities.

Deadline to apply for Community Education Grants is Aug. 21

Individuals, organizations or volunteer groups interested in organizing an education project for their neighborhood, community group or members of the general public are encouraged to apply. Grant recipients may receive up to $5,000 to help fund their water resources education projects.

District to recognize water-conserving home in St. Petersburg

The Southwest Florida Water Management District will recognize REAL building’s Darren Brinkley for earning a Florida Water Star Gold ℠ (FWSG) certification on a home in northeast St. Petersburg where he and his family now live.

Florida Water Star offers new 'Gold' standard for water savings

A home water conservation certification program - Florida Water StarSM - was expanded today to include a new Gold tier that provides an even higher standard for water efficiency in the home than the current Silver tier.

When Water Reaches Its Peak, Savings Are in Store

As water use spikes, so do consumers’ water bills. “Peak” water use describes the time of year when residential water use is at its highest, usually in late July or early August, due to additional landscape watering, outdoor summer activities from sprinklers to car washing, and indoor activities such as washing beach towels more frequently.

WaterSense Information Request Renewal

On July 28, 2009, EPA published a notice in the Federal Register requesting comments on the renewal of the WaterSense Information Collection Request (ICR). The ICR outlines the type of information collected by the program in support of its partnerships, products, and services.

CAUTION on Dual Flush Conversion Devices

John Koeller and Bill Gauley have issued an alert regarding dual-flush conversion devices for tank type toilets. Many products such as these promise the capacity to convert a 1.6 gallon, 3.5 gallon, 5 gallon, or more fixture from a single-flush, tank-type gravity toilet to a dual-flush toilet, which all promise water savings. There is no independent evidence that savings do or will occur as a result of retrofitting the toilet with these devices. For reasons and more information see the memo below.

CA Smart Controller Study Final Report

An Evaluation of California Smart Controller Study Report was finalized on July 1, 2009. This report presents an evaluation of the California Weather-Based Irrigation Controller programs. This project presents empirical data on the performance of smart controller products distributed and installed through different methodologies in a wide variety of settings. This report is intended to fulfill a key requirement of the DWR grants and provide information and guidance for future smart controller and landscape conservation programs.

University of Florida Football Complex Draws Praise for Sustainable Design

The Heavener Football Complex, UF’s most recent addition to Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, received a platinum certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System. There are only 130 buildings with this ranking in the country and this is the first one in Florida.

Conservation and Drought Water Rates: State-of-the-art practices and their application

The overall purpose of this synthesis paper is to identify and summarize state of the art conservation and drought pricing practices, and explore the challenges and opportunities associated with conservation pricing. The paper is designed to be a contribution to the Conserve Florida Collaborative Research Agenda. The paper is also meant to serve as a reference for utilities and regulatory professionals.

Planning Helps Expand District Water Supply

Long-term water resource planning by the District is helping to expand water supply across northwest Florida. Plans include inland well sources for coastal Bay and Walton counties, as well as water mains interconnecting Freeport, Portland and Choctaw Beach; Callaway and Allanton Peninsula; Gretna and Greens-boro; Carrabelle and Alligator Point. The District has also helped solve water well problems in Grand Ridge and Blountstown.

Significant Rain Recharges, Water Managers Plan for Future

In a continuing display of Florida's weather extremes, the driest six-month period on record in South Florida has been followed by the wettest May on record as the region transitions from the dry season to the wet season. District meteorologists reported an average of 9.04 inches of rain fell across the region in May, surpassing the previous record of 8.95 inches set in 1934. These extremes highlight water management challenges and the delicate balance between water supply, the health of the natural system and flood control for approximately 7.5 million residents. Water managers must look ahead to and plan for the next dry season and beyond to protect regional water resources.

District celebrates Water PRO anniversary by signing 200th restaurant

The Southwest Florida Water Management District celebrated the one year anniversary of the Water Program for Restaurant Outreach (Water PRO) by signing its 200th restaurant. Water PRO, which was launched last May, is a free program that helps restaurants conserve water by educating staff and customers. As part of the program, the restaurant management agrees to only serve water upon request, display water conservation materials on tables, conduct self-audits and train staff.

Florida Water Star builder receives national award

The St. Johns River Water Management District's Florida Water Star program has received national recognition as a result of Hardwick General Contracting (HGC) Inc. being awarded the 2009 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Green Building Award. Florida Water Star is a certification program that encourages water efficiency in household appliances, plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems and landscapes. Florida Water Star promotes the economic and environmental benefits of efficiency in new home construction by offering resources and incentives to builders and home buyers who value water efficiency.

Major Water Efficiency Bills Move Through Congress H.R. 2368, H.R. 2454, and S. 1005

Congress acted on major water efficiency legislation in the House and Senate last week, including amending the Waxman-Markey Climate Bill on May 20 to add a new federal program that would provide $50 million dollars in funding for a water-efficiency and conservation rebates.

Making Every Drop Work: Increasing Water Efficiency in California’s Commercial, Industrial and Institutional (CII) Sector

In the midst of a third consecutive dry year, California’s water supply continues to shrink as the state’s population grows, but according to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the state’s commercial, industrial and institutional (CII) sector has the tools to save more than enough water to meet the annual needs of Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego combined. Some leading California businesses and institutions are already catching on – saving water and money at the same time.

Dunedin builder achieves Water Star Gold

Glencairn Cottages in Dunedin are being constructed by Tampa Bay’s first-ever certified Florida Water Star Gold builder

2008 Triennial Capacity Development Report

Components of the Capacity Development program include technical review and assistance to small drinking water systems to help them improve their technical, financial, and managerial capabilities to operate. For instance, DEP is responsible for performing sanitation surveys and compliance inspections on all public water systems. A result of these inspections may be a combination of enforcement and referral to technical assistance providers who in turn work with individual utilities to bring their systems back into compliance.

SRWMD GIS Data Available for Download

Some of the District's most-requested GIS Data is now available for download from this website. Refer to GIS Data for an overview and disclaimer information. Access the data from the Data Directory table or from the GIS Data folder under Administration located in the Document Center. More datasets will be added in the future.

SFWMD Observes Water Reuse Week

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board today joined Governor Charlie Crist in recognizing May 10-16, 2009, as Water Reuse Week in Florida.

SJRWMD Board adopts amendments to 2005 District Water Supply Plan

The St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board today adopted amendments to its 2005 District Water Supply Plan (DWSP) that support stronger water conservation and identify potential project options for utilities to meet their future water supply needs.

Revised Draft Water-Efficient Single-Family New Home Specification Announced

On May 8, 2009, WaterSense released the revised draft specification for water-efficient single-family new homes. The revised draft specification will be open for review and comment through July 7, 2009.

Texas Considering Plumbing Efficiency Legislation

The State of Texas is considering legislation that would specify performance standards for plumbing fixtures. If this bill passes, all toilets sold on or after January 1, 2014 would be required to be 1.28 gallons per flush or less, and would make Texas only the second state, after California, to mandate sale of HETs. It also would be the first piece of legislation anywhere to directly reference the WaterSense program.

UF Water Institute Newsletter

The UF Water Institute, now completing its third year of operation, brings together talent from throughout the University to address complex water issues through innovative interdisciplinary research, education, and public outreach programs. To date over 180 UF faculty members from 9 colleges have affiliated with the Water Institute.

Florida Section American Water Works Association Utility Council Legislative Policies for 2009

The Florida Section of the American Water Works Association Utility Council is comprised of over 100 member utilities providing drinking water to approximately nine million residents. The Florida Section American Water Works Association Utility Council recognizes the importance of protecting and ensuring the viability and sustainability of Florida’s water resources and has developed legislative polices for 2009. The following policies include provisions that address the development of effective and sustainable water management strategies.

Save big by conserving water outside

Outdoor water use can account for up to 50 percent of water consumed by households, which means it is where water conservation practices can make the biggest impact.

Project will bring reclaimed water to Walden Lake, South Florida Baptist Hospital and the Strawberry Festival grounds

A reclaimed water project funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Plant City will provide approximately 400,000 gallons per day (gpd) to Walden Lake Golf Course, South Florida Baptist Hospital and the Strawberry Festival grounds, which will offset an estimated 300,000 gpd of potable water.

Today’s rain means residents don’t need to water their lawns

Even if it is your assigned day to irrigate, that doesn’t mean you have to water your lawn,” said Sylvia Durell, Florida-friendly landscaping project manager. “Unnecessary watering can waste time, money and water resources.”

Senate Subcommittee Hearing Focusses on WaterSense

On March 31, 2009, Acting Assistant Administrator for Water, Michael Shapiro testified before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Subcommittee on Water and Wildlife on "EPA's Role in Promoting Water Use Efficiency." Mr. Shapiro's testimony focused on the WaterSense program.

Historic Declaration on Drought

In a historic response to California's progressive water shortage, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a state of emergency due to drought on Friday, February 27, 2009. As the state enters into its third year of drought caused by below average precipitation and critically low levels of primary reservoirs, the declaration calls for state agencies to join together to implement a state wide emergency plan to assist all Californians affected by the drought.

Improved Corporate Water Reporting Needed Despite Progress in Recent Years

Significant improvement is needed in the depth and breadth of corporate reporting on water, particularly regarding water issues outside of direct business operations, according to a major study released.

Drought Remains Despite Recent Rains

The SFWMD is closely monitoring water levels and is urging residents and business to conserve water and follow landscape irrigation restrictions to stretch the public supply. More information about limits by area is available on the District's water restrictions Web site.

District teams up with builders and developers to launch Florida Water Star Gold

FWSG is a voluntary certification program for builders. It encourages water efficiency in household appliances, plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems and landscapes, as well as water quality benefits from best management practices in landscapes. The District’s FWSG program will certify and recognize builders who incorporate water-saving efforts into new homes. The program is a point-based certification that addresses indoor irrigation and landscape conservation components.

Winter Haven residents may apply for low-flow toilet rebates

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is working with the City of Winter Haven Utilities to promote water conservation by providing toilet rebates of up to $100 for each high-volume toilet replaced with a low-flow model. High-volume toilets can use three gallons or more per flush, while low-flow toilets use up to 1.6 gallons per flush.

Fix a Leak Week Demonstration Project in Phoenix

WaterSense started a demonstration project to show how much water an American home can waste due to running toilets, dripping faucets, and other household leaks.

LA Toilet Purchase Specification To Be Phased Out

For over 8 years, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's (LADWP) Supplementary Purchase Specification (SPS) for toilet fixtures has guided purchasers, specifiers, and water utility rebate programs all over North America in identifying fixtures that are most likely to assure continued water savings. This specification will now be phased out as ANSI and WaterSense make the SPS effort duplicative.

AWE Suggests Maximum Water Use Thresholds for Efficient Products

As a service to water utilities and regulatory bodies, the Alliance for Water Efficiency has developed suggested maximum water use thresholds for a variety of products that are commonly rebated or promoted as water efficient. This template of thresholds was developed by a multi-stakeholder group in which water utilities and manufacturers participated, and reflects those categories where quality product is available, product performance is proven, reference standards are available, and water utilities have a track record of experience with the products.

New Study Reports Bottled Water Use 2000 Times More Energy Intensive than Tap

In a newly published article in the February 2009 edition of the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Research Letters, the Pacific Institute estimates that the annual consumption of bottled water in the U.S. in 2007 required the equivalent of between 32 and 54 million barrels of oil—roughly one-third of a percent of total U.S. primary energy consumption.

Report Warns Businesses and Investors about Growing Water Scarcity Impacts from Climate Change

Global climate change is exacerbating water scarcity problems around the world, yet few businesses and investors are paying attention to this growing financial threat, according to a report issued today by Ceres and the Pacific Institute. Water is crucial for the global economy – driving every industry from agriculture to electric power to silicon chip manufacturing. Beverage, apparel, and tourism also rely on supplies of clean, potable water to survive and grow.

Tampa Bay Regional Water Supply and Drought Index February 9, 2009

Surface water availability declined to zero and long-term regional drinking water storage conditions continued to descend in the Tampa Bay region in December, as the regions’ rainfall totals were about 31% below normal for the month. Surface water flow conditions are extremely low.

Apply Online Now for Grants to Fund Water-Saving Projects

Water conservation has many benefits in meeting the growing demands on South Florida's limited water supply. As part of continued conservation efforts, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) is offering funds through its Water Savings Incentive Program, or WaterSIP, to help water providers and large users pay for water-saving technologies.

Rainfall in the Red; Conservation Key to Stretching Water Supply

The latest SFWMD reports show an average of 0.41 inches of rain fell across the region in February, which is 1.78 inches less than the historical average for the month. Rainfall for the dry season is down 6.65 inches to date from the historical average, with several months left before the wet season begins. Forecasters are predicting below average rainfall to continue through April.

Check your irrigation system when you ‘spring forward’

The Southwest Florida Water Management District is reminding residents to check the timers on their irrigation system controllers this weekend, which is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time.

New watering restrictions take effect Sunday, March 8

On Sunday, March 8, new restrictions specifying the days of the week for landscape irrigation will become effective across the 18 counties of the St. Johns River Water Management District. Under the new restrictions, landscape irrigation will be limited to two days a week during daylight saving time and one day a week during Eastern Standard Time.

Water conservation workshop to be held March 9

The St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board will have a water conservation workshop on Monday, March 9, from 1-4 p.m. The Board will hear presentations from District staff on the public education and enforcement of watering restrictions that will go into effect on March 8, and current and potential strategies to increase water conservation throughout the District's 18 counties. The workshop will take place at District headquarters, 4049 Reid St., Palatka.

Fix a Leak Week is March 16-20, 2009

Nationwide, more than 1 trillion gallons of water leak from U.S. homes each year. That's why WaterSense is promoting Fix a Leak Week from March 16 to 20, 2009, to remind Americans to check their plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks.

Do You Know Everything you Need to Know about Water Conservation?

Join the Conserve Florida Water Clearinghouse News and Events mailing list and you can receive the latest information regarding, Water Management Districts, water shortages, rules and regulations, related events and more.

EZ Guide Version 1.1

The EZ Guide is a tool designed to facilitate users in the area of water conservation to develop comprehensive water conservation plans. The calculations performed by this software are consistent with the methodologies and calculations performed by the master Guide. In addition to being inclusive of the Guide’s methodologies and calculations the EZ Guide has additional calculations that enhance its ability to function as a water conservation tool. One such enhancement is the inclusion of a background replacement rate for BMP implementation. The inclusion of graphical output summaries is also convenient in assisting the users with the decision making process.

Board approves additional $8.8 million in reuse and treatment projects

The St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board approved spending an additional $8.8 million on projects to reduce excessive nitrogen entering the lower St. Johns River by an additional 600,000 pounds per year and to increase reclaimed water use.

Take Action to Seek Stimulus Funding for Water Efficiency Projects

The House and Senate reached a compromise on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 late Thursday evening. The finalized stimulus plan has allocated $6 billion for local clean and drinking water infrastructure improvements: $4 billion of this will go to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program; and $2 billion will go to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) program.

Water Project Funding in Florida

If you're interested in financial assistance for a wastewater, stormwater, drinking water, or surface water improvement project, you'll find information on available money, and basic program requirements.

Learning from the Drought and Meeting 2025 Water Supply Needs

By 2025, Floridians are forecast to use about 2 billion gallons more fresh water each day. The 2006 – 2008 drought presented many challenges. Fortunately, Florida had response mechanisms in place to implement the long-term strategies detailed in their regional water supply plans. This was instrumental in mitigating the worst effects of the drought. The Department’s annual report on regional water supply planning, "Learning from the Drought", describes the progress toward meeting the 2025 Water Supply Needs and offers suggestions on improving the state’s drought resistance.

Greening Florida's Hospitality Industry in English, Spanish and Creole

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Florida Green Lodging Program launched a new, multilingual Web resource to assist designated properties in communicating their “green” initiatives to guests, employees and the community. The Web-based “tool kit” includes a “Do Your Part” poster in English, Spanish and Creole to help keep employees mindful of the hotel’s “green” practices, and a letter template in English and Spanish to promote the hotel’s environmental accomplishments. Other marketing tools include environmental message signage and displays for guest areas, “green” guest tips, press release templates and Green Lodging logos.

SFWMD Expands Online Public Access to Permitting Records

In a continuing effort to broaden access to public records and enhance customer service, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) has completed the addition of more than 30 years of regulatory permit information to an existing ePermitting online database. The process entailed the conversion to electronic format of more than 280,000 microfiche (sheets of microfilm) containing 9.1 million documents dating back to the 1970s.

SFWMD Supports Three Stormwater Improvement Projects for Collier County

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board has agreed to invest $1.5 million in three stormwater improvement projects in Collier County. The projects are designed to alleviate flooding, lower pollutant levels and improve the water quality of stormwater runoff that ultimately enters Dollar, Rookery and Naples bays.

Emergency authorization will allow the Englewood Water District to provide water to Charlotte County

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a water shortage emergency and authorized the Englewood Water District to help the Peace River/Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority (Authority) by providing water to Charlotte County Utilities.

West-central Florida remains on Water Shortage Alert

Despite some recent rainfall, a continuing drought is keeping the 16 counties of the Southwest Florida Water Management District on a Water Shortage Alert. The District identifies four possible levels of water shortage, beginning with “moderate” and increasing in intensity through “severe,” “extreme” and “critical.”

EBMUD Publishes WaterSmart Guidebook for Businesses

The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) has developed the WaterSmart Guidebook: A Water Use Efficiency Plan and Review Guide for New Businesses to provide information on water saving technologies applicable in the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors.

WaterSmart Guidebook: A Water Use Efficiency Plan and Review Guide

The WaterSmart Guidebook is now available! This book is a Water Use Efficiency Plan and Review Guide for new Businesses which provides information on water-saving technologies applicable in the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors and is intended for use as a resource. Produced by EBMUD, the Guidebook was coauthored by Council Executive Director, Chris Brown, prior to his coming to the Council. The information in the guidebook is intended to be updated periodically.

Tampa Bay Regional Water Supply and Drought Index January 15, 2009

Surface water availability declined to zero and long-term regional drinking water storage conditions continued to descend in the Tampa Bay region in December, as the regions’ rainfall totals were about 65% below normal for the month. Surface water flow conditions are extremely low and C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir water began flowing into the regional water supply distribution system about six months ahead of average condition needs.

Three Cocoa Beach Hotels Receive Florida Green Lodging Designation

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today welcomed three Cocoa Beach hotels to the Florida Green Lodging Program. The Four Points by Sheraton, the Quality Suites Cocoa Beach and the Radisson Resort at the Port are the 76th, 77th and 78th hotels in the state to be designated. The voluntary state initiative provides the lodging industry with technical assistance, encouraging hotels and motels to adopt cost-saving “green” practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

Crist/Kottkamp 2008-09 Budget Reaffirms Commitment to Florida's Environment

Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole today applauded Governor Charlie Crist and Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp’s budget priorities for Fiscal Year 2008-09. The recommendations place a priority on addressing the effects of climate change, the economic benefit of diversifying the state’s energy portfolio and preserving Florida’s natural resources. With a strong commitment to maintaining critical environmental projects and programs, the Crist/Kottkamp administration recommends $2.2 billion to protect Florida’s environment including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, diversifying water supply, revitalizing America’s Everglades and preserving open space.

Florida Section American Water Works Association

Utility Council Legislative Policies for 2008

SRWMD Introduces Floodplain Information Portal to Improve Outreach and Permitting Services

The Suwannee River Water Management District (District) recently rolled out a new floodplain information portal to help with public outreach and to improve an outdated permitting system. The portal http://www.srwmdfloodreport.com which has been in use internally at the District since early in 2008, went live to the public on January 1, 2009

Water Shortage Warning Issued

A Water Shortage Warning Order was issued by the Northwest Florida Water Management District on June 5, 2007.

Regional Water Supply Planning in Northwest Florida

The Northwest Florida Water Management District established seven water supply planning regions, as illustrated below, and completed the first District Water Supply Assessment (WSA) in 1998. The purpose of the WSA is to evaluate whether existing and anticipated water sources are sufficient to meet future demands, while sustaining water resources and associated natural systems. If the future water needs of a water supply planning region are such that they are currently causing or are likely to cause water resource problems over the 20-year planning horizon, the District must prepare a Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) which analyzes and presents various alternatives for meeting the anticipated future water needs (Section 373.0361(1), F.S.).

Phase I Environmental Resource Permitting Fees to Increase March 2009

These fee increases are required by Section 373.109, Florida Statutes (2008), to adopt new fees and minimum fees for environmental resource permit program activities conducted under Part IV of Chapter 373, F.S. The rule amendments were presented to the public during a December 15, 2008 workshop.

Marco Island to Improve Water Quality, Flood Control

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) this week approved investing $1.2 million in a partnership with the City of Marco Island to improve water quality in coastal waters and the Ten Thousand Island coastal watershed. The projects will also enhance public safety by alleviating flooding. Together with an $11.6 million investment by the City of Marco Island, the projects seek to update a portion of the city's antiquated stormwater drainage system and replace septic systems at nearly 850 properties with connections to a central sewer system.

Project to improve water quality in Safety Harbor

The Southwest Florida Water Management District and the City of Safety Harbor recently signed an agreement for a project to prevent erosion and improve water quality within the Mullet Creek watershed.

Recommended order issued on river permit application

A Florida Administrative Law Judge on Jan. 12, 2009, issued a recommended order in the pending case which challenged the St. Johns River Water Management District's proposed issuance of a permit to Seminole County to withdraw surface water from the St. Johns River for public supply and reclaimed water supply augmentation. The judge recommended that the District Governing Board approve Seminole County's permit application with conditions previously specified by District staff. The issue will be considered by the Board in a future public meeting.

EPA Announces Draft High-Efficiency Flushing Urinal Specification

EPA issued a draft High-Efficiency Flushing Urinal Specification in January 2009. With the announcement of this draft specification, manufacturers, retailers, and distributors that produce or sell high-efficiency pressurized flushing devices and/or flushing urinal fixtures are invited to join the program, provided the manufacturer produces labeled products within one year of signing a partnership agreement with EPA.

AWE and Others Urge Congress for Funding

As Congress considers legislation to stimulate the nation's economy, the Alliance for Water Efficiency along with American Rivers, Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, Clean Water Action, Environment America, GreenPlumbers, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, Natural Resources Defense Council, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, and Plumbing Manufacturers Institute urge a match of at least 20% of any drinking water infrastructure funds with additional water efficiency grants to reduce water use.

Solution to water woes isn't close - Alabama

A panel of lawmakers is gathering for the first time today to discuss water issues, but Alabama remains years away from putting in place a comprehensive water management plan, despite nearly three years of drought-like conditions and an ongoing fight with other Southern states over water supplies.

Tampa Bay Regional Drought Index

Tampa Bay Water continues in a Level II Water Shortage, and continues to request the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg, New Port Richey and counties of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco to reduce demand and increase enforcement of water restrictions. The entire 16-county Southwest Florida Water Management District area remains in a Level II Water Shortage.

Water-Starved California Slows Development

As California faces one of its worst droughts in two decades, building projects are being curtailed for the first time under state law by the inability of developers to find long-term water supplies.

Conserve Florida Water Digital Library

Come browse the Conserve Florida Library! The library will be rapidly expanding and already references hundreds of relevant water conservation materials. The library will contain articles, reports, databases, models, and other important sources of information.

Draft Regional Water Supply Plan for Bay County

The Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) for Region III (Bay County) is being developed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District to identify current and future water demands, current water sources, and alternative water supply sources to meet or exceed the region's water supply needs through the 2030 planning horizon.

WaterSense New Homes Specification Released

The US Environmental Protection Agency has released the draft specification for the water efficient new homes program. The draft specification incorporates EPA's criteria for product categories earning the WaterSense label (toilets and faucets) and requires many other practices and technologies aimed at bringing water efficiency into the entire home.

SJRWMD proposes to tighten irrigation rules, workshops scheduled

The St. Johns River Water Management District's Governing Board voted today to begin the rulemaking process to amend the District's irrigation rules. The rules apply to all lawn and landscape irrigation, agriculture, nurseries, golf courses and recreational areas not regulated by consumptive use permits.

DOE Energy Star Program Finalizes Clothes Washer Criteria

The Energy Star program at the Department of Energy has finalized the revised criteria for family-sized clothes washers (residential and commercial). A two stage revision has been adopted, with the water factor for Energy Star-labeled clothes washers dropping from the current 8.0 to 7.5 as of July 1, 2009 and 6.0 as of January 1, 2011. The first stage reduction is the level and date recommended in the stakeholder agreement negotiated with AHAM in early 2007, while the second stage reduction coincides with the effective date of the mandatory WF 9.5 standard enacted in the recent Energy Bill signed by the President in December.

USGBC Seeks Comments on LEED 2009

The Alliance for Water Efficiency has been working hard over the past several years to ensure that the LEED criteria include a greater emphasis on sustainable water savings. This is now our chance. The US Green Building Council (USGBC) has announced a major new initiative to revamp LEED in 2009.

July Is Smart Irrigation Month

Did you know that more than 50 percent of water used to irrigate lawns and gardens is wasted? Visit the Smart Irrigation Month pages for tips and advice for significant water savings when watering your landscape.

May Brings Below-Average Rainfall, Marks End of Dry Season

After three consecutive months of above-average rainfall, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) announced today that South Florida received below-average rainfall in May. District-wide rainfall averaged 1.84 inches in May, about 2.35 inches below the historical average for the month.

The 2007 Florida Statutes

373.185 Local Xeriscape ordinances

Legislative Watch - 2008

California Urban Water Conservation Council

Conserve Florida Meetings

The next CF meetings are set for July 18 and September 4 in the Orlando area. We hope that this schedule allows us to be helpful in the FS/AWWA 2030 process as well as make a contribution to the planning for the September 25-26 Century Commission Water Summit. The July 18 meeting will be from 10-3 at the OUC location on Gardenia Avenue. A final agenda will be distributed in early July.

Smart Controller Water Savings Study Now Available

The Bureau of Reclamation has now made available the Smart Controller Water Savings Study. This document summarizes the findings of a literature review of publicly available reports and articles for water savings studies that evaluated weather and soil moisture based (Smart) landscape irrigation control devices. It serves as a supplemental document to the Bureau of Reclamation (2007) Technical Review Report Weather and Soil Moisture Based Landscape Irrigation Scheduling Devices.

ACE10 Show me the water! - Chicago June 20–24

Plan to attend the one event where you can get all the information you need, sharpen your skills, and replenish your passion to become better stewards of water for the greatest good of people and the environment—ACE10, The World’s Water Event! Registration is open! Take advantage of Super-Saver rates through March 27.