Water Forum- The Status and Future of our Water Supply
This event was sponsored by the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department and the League of Women Voters of Alachua County/Gainesville and occured on 10/12/11 at Oak Hammock. Click 
HERE to see the agenda and below to view the presentations.
North Florida Aquifer 101 by Mike Annable, UF
Groundwater Use in Alachua County by Stacie Greco, ACEPD
Water Supply in the St Johns River Water Management District by Tom Bartol, SJRWMD
Suwannee River Water Management District Water Supply by Dale Jenkins, SRWMD
Panelist Slides- Richard Hamann, Chris Bird, Rick Hutton, Bob Knight
New Map Shows Low Groundwater Levels
Click Here to see a regional map showing how low groundwater levels are right now. This groundwater supplies the springs and rivers, our taps, agriculture, and many businesses.
Water Water Everywhere?
Did you know that 97% of the earth's water is salt water stored in the ocean? This means 3% is freshwater, and 2/3 of this is frozen. Only 1% of the world's water is available as drinking water! When you realize how scarce our water supply is it makes you realize that we best stop wasting it and start conserving it for the future. Learn how HERE! You can also visit GRU for water saving tips and for money saving rebates.
Report water leaks to GRU at 352-334-2711
You Can Conserve Water! |
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Over 50% of residential water use occurs outdoors- so it is a good place to start looking at our habits...
- Replace turf with native drought tolerant vegetation
- Group plants according to their water needs
- Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds
- Raise your lawnmower blade (never cut more than the top 1/3)
- Collect rainwater in rain barrels and cisterns for irrigation uses
If you MUST water
- Use micro irrigation instead of sprinklers and hoses
- Install and maintain a rain shutoff device to automatic sprinklers
- Water in the early morning
- Make sure your watering system is operating properly and not leaking
- Use a timer to remind yourself to shut off sprinklers not on a timer
Fixing leaks and replacing old plumbing fixtures indoors with water saving ones can save a family of four up to 30,000 gallons of water each year!
- Find out if you have a leak by monitoring your meter before and after a two hour period when no water is being used
- Repair dripping faucets and toilets
- Run automatic dishwashers only when they are full
- Collect soapy water in the sink to wash dishes, instead of letting the water run
- Set your clothes washer to the appropriate water level for the size of the load you are washing
- Keep your showers under 5 minutes and install a low flow shower head.
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Check out our Water
Conservation brochure
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Click here to learn more about saving water!
Watering Restrictions are the law!
On October 13th, 2009 the Board of County Commissioners adopted an 
Irrigation Conservation Standards and Management Practices Code for Alachua County and will be in effect by October 26, 2009.
The irrigation schedules are already in effect for the portion of Alachua County under the jurisdiction of the St Johns River Water Management District. The adoption of the proposed ordinance will allow for the local enforcement of the requirements throughout the unincorporated area of Alachua County.
Depending on where you live in Alachua County, you are subject to either the St Johns River Water Management District or Suwannee River Water Management District landscape irrigation restrictions.
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Irrigation is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
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Irrigation is limited to no more than one hour or 3/4 inch per irrigation zone per irrigation day.
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Irrigation limitations apply to water withdrawn from ground or surface water, from a private well or pump, or from a public or private utility.
Daylight saving time (begins second Sunday of March) irrigation is limited to no more than 2 days per week.
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Residential irrigation at odd numbered addresses or no addresses on Wed. and Sat.
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Residential irrigation at even numbered addresses on Thurs. and Sun.
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Nonresidential irrigation on Tues. and Fri.
Eastern Standard Time (begins first Sunday of Nov.) irrigation is limited to no more than one day per week.
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Residential irrigation at odd numbered addresses or no addresses on Sat.
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Residential irrigation at even numbered addresses on Sun.
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Nonresidential irrigation on Tues.
Residents of Alachua, Archer, High Springs, LaCrosse, Newberry, and Waldo are under the
Suwannee River WMD restrictions, which are the same as above- except the watering days are not
designated. In this district you may choose watering day(s), but still must follow the limits.
Additionally, Florida Law requires that any person who purchases and installs an automatic landscape irrigation system must properly install, maintain, and operate a rain sensor to interrupt operation of the system during periods of sufficient moisture.
What is a Rain Sensor, and do I need one?
Rain sensors, also called rain shut-off devices, are designed to interrupt the cycle of an automatic irrigation system controller when a specific amount of rainfall has occurred. They are small devices wired to the irrigation system controller and are mounted in an open area where they are exposed to rainfall. All automatic sprinkler systems installed after 1991 are required to have a functioning rain shut-off device. To learn how to test yours, visit the Alliance for Water Efficiency.
Water Star Certification Program
Florida Water Star is a program designed to encourage water efficiency in houshold appliances, plumbing fixtures, irrigation systmes, and landscapes. The program offers resources and incentives to builders and home buyers who commit to water efficiency in new home construction. To register for this program, view the qualification point list, or find workshops on this program visit St Johns River Water Management District's website. Click HERE to view a presentation on the program.
Water Conservation Initiative Report
Alachua County Environmental Protection staff have completed the final draft of the Water Conservation Initiative Report. This staff report, requested by the Board of County Commissioners, provides a menu of opportunities to improve local water conservation efforts.
The report identifies opportunities for more effective local government roles in increasing water conservation such as land use and low impact development incentives. It confirms that effective water conservation requires cooperation, collaboration, and communication among citizens and all levels of government, business, and non-governmental organizations.
"This report outlines best and 'next' practices that can help our citizens reduce water consumption to better protect our creeks, lakes, springs, and water supply and to provide for a more resilient water future for Alachua County" said Chris Bird, Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Director.
Click here to download a copy of the report.