Representatives from the Tampa Water Department were honored Tuesday with a Water Stewardship Award from the Southwest Florida Water Management’s Northwest Hillsborough Basin Board.
The board chose the Tampa Water Department “Sensible Sprinkling and Irrigation Evaluation” program because it educates participants about outdoor water use efficiency. Participants receive a free evaluation performed by a certified irrigation auditor and a detailed report with recommendations to eliminate unnecessary and inefficient irrigation. Recommendations may include retrofitting the existing sprinkler system and increasing the use of Florida-Friendly landscaping.
The Water Stewardship Awards program recognizes excellence in the following categories: wetland systems restoration and preservation, water supply and conservation, water resources education, uplands restoration and management, water quality.
From each of the District’s eight Basins, one project was chosen that exemplifies protection and/or conservation of west-central Florida’s water resources, demonstration of cost-effectiveness and demonstration of a benefit beyond that which is required by law, regulation or permitting requirements was chosen in each basin.
Applicants were from private businesses (commercial and agriculture),
government agencies, individuals/communities (volunteers, business service
clubs, individuals and non-government organizations), and educational institutions.
The Northwest Hillsborough Basin is located in the northwest portion of Hillsborough County.