Environmental Protection
Water Resources
New Watering Restrictions in Effect
Lawn and landscape irrigation accounts for more than half of residential water use. Watering wisely promotes healthier landscapes while conserving precious water resources. Lawns need significantly less water in the winter months. Depending on where you live in Alachua County, it may be time for you to cut your watering back to one day a week. Click HERE to learn more!
Water Conservation Initiative
County staff is currently researching information for a Water Conservation Initiative Report for Alachua County. The report will present a comprehensive evaluation of water conservation strategies and will include specific recommendations for implementation in the County. Click HERE to learn more!
The fall issue of The Wader is here!
The Wader is our quarterly electronic newsletter that often focuses on ways citizens can protect our water resources. The latest issue discusses regulatory updates including a fertilizer code, landscape irrigation code, and changes in recycling guidelines. Click HERE to join The Wader mailing list or HERE to see archived issues.
Did you know simple things like washing your car and pressure washing can pollute our creeks if not done carefully?
If you want to learn how to minimize the amount of pollution from your home and business, check out our new pamphlets on various Best Management Practices (BMPs) for protecting our water. Click Here to see them all!
On September 22, 2009 the Board of County Commissioners adopted a Fertilizer Standards and Management Practices Code for Alachua County.
The ordinance is based on the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Model Ordinance for Florida-Friendly Fertilizer Use in Urban Landscapes. The ordinance includes standards for:
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Timing of fertilizer application
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Training and licensing requirements
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Fertilizer application rates
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Fertilizer-free zones
Alachua County Landscape Irrigation Ordinance
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.
To learn about conserving water click HERE.
Check out our new Pet Waste Program!
funding provided by the Gainesville Clean Water Partnership
We are always in a Watershed!
Even if you can't see a creek or lake from your house, it is likely that what you do at your house and in your yard affects local water quality. When it rains water runs off (called stormwater) our roofs, driveways, and other hard surfaces and travels through the stormwater collection system and most likely discharges to a creek without any treatment. Most of our creeks discharge to the aquifer (our drinking water) through sinkholes.
Download a map of Alachua County Watersheds!
Water Resources Protection Programs
Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (ACEPD) Water Resources Program protects our water resources by monitoring surface waters, groundwater, springs, and wastewater and enforcing the Water Quality Code and Hazardous Materials Code. ACEPD is also involved with public education and citizen volunteer groups.
The Alachua County Forever Program also protects our water by preserving sensitive lands. The Natural Resources Program protects our water by preserving surface waters and associated wetlands, and up to 150 feet of upland buffer, as well as strategic ecosystems, significant habitat, significant geologic features, listed species habitat, and floodplains in their natural state, parcel by parcel, throughout the entire county!
Visit our Friends at Gainesvillecreeks.org
"We otter have clean water!"
Gainesvillecreeks.org is your source of information on the interdependent creeks, watersheds and wetlands in Gainesville, Florida. Learn how our community cares for water through stormwater management, and learn how you can help keep your local waterways beautiful and healthy.
