Governing Board urges water conservation
Despite normal rainfall in April, west-central Florida remains abnormally dry. The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board is urging residents to continue conserving the water resources.
Since January 2006, the District has accumulated more than a 15-inch rainfall deficit. As a result, lake levels are below their annual low levels and rivers are flowing below normal ranges.
Last month, the Governing Board declared April Water Conservation Month in an effort to call attention to the need for increased water conservation. With the rainy season still more than a month away, residents are urged to follow the one-day-a-week watering restrictions and look for ways to conserve water in their homes and businesses.
Some of the ways residents can conserve is by:
*Detecting and repairing leaks in faucets and toilets, which can save as much as 100 gallons of water per day.
*Installing low-flow showerheads and aerators, which can save up to 50 gallons per day.
*Turning off water while brushing your teeth and shaving, which can save 1,000 gallons per month.
*Running washing machines and dishwashers only when full, which can save 1,000 gallons per month.
For more information about ways to conserve water, call the District at 1-800-423-1476 or visit the District’s web site at www.watermatters.org.