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More Tips for Saving Water Outdoors

• Do not leave sprinklers unattended. Use a kitchen timer to remind yourself to turn off sprinklers.
• Water slowly to reduce runoff and to allow deep penetration.
• Observe the watering schedule for your address.
• Dig out water-loving weeds and cultivate soil often.
• Use a rain barrel to…

OverviewApplicants will be asked to break this down in more detail in the application. Students will begin this grant project by developing a deeper understanding of the importance of clean, fresh water for humans and wildlife. Through in-classroom activities, students will learn about the source of our fresh water in west-central Florida and the importance of water conservation. This will include…

A Water Use Caution Area, or WUCA, is an area where regional action is necessary to address cumulative water withdrawals which are causing or may cause adverse impacts to the water and related natural resources or the public interest. The District Governing Board designates WUCAs and establishes rules that enhance the protection and/or…

From June through November, we live nervously here in Florida. Why? Energy and water from the tropics can venture toward the southeastern U.S. in gigantic, spinning storms we call “hurricanes.” Hurricanes begin when a storm develops over warm surface waters. As warm air rises in the center of the storm, it creates an upward current of air, called an updraft. The surrounding air is attracted to the storm’s center, where it rises and causes the pressure to drop. The…

The Water Use Permit Information Center has been redesigned to provide our users with a more intuitive, user-friendly environment to submit their Water Use Permit (WUP) compliance data. In addition to data submittals, the online Permit Information Center, known as ePIC, provides quick and easy access to permit information, graphs and reports. ePIC Highlights:

• Compatible with most tablets and smart phones, allowing for mobile data entry
• The ‘…

Benefits to builders and owners

• Saves an estimated $530 on utility bills annually, adding up to water savings of up to 48,291 gallons in one year per home
• Increases home values by approximately $10,000; per The Appraisal Journal, home values typically increase by $20 for every $1 reduction in annual utility bills
• Provides free marking support through customizable company brochures, plaques for homeowner display and free real estate staff training
…

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Florida Water Starsm?Florida Water Star is a voluntary certification program designed to increase water efficiency inside the home and in landscapes and irrigation systems. While many certification programs provide general guidelines for water efficiency, Florida Water Star specifically addresses uses relevant to Florida. Following Florida Water Star criteria in new and existing buildings will help sustain the area’s…

As Water Resources bureau chief, Jay Hoecker is responsible for management and oversight of regional water supply planning; water supply and resource development projects; economics and demography; water conservation projects; and septic to sewer conversion projects. Hoecker also oversees the FARMS program, which offers cost-share assistance to the agricultural community for conservation, water quality, natural system and alternative water supply best management practices (…

Program Update: Thank you for your interest in the WISE Program. The program is not currently accepting or processing applications for projects unless they are submitted and led by a utility. The program’s objectives and protocols are under review, and if or when the program may resume for non-utility projects is not known at this time. This webpage will be updated when a decision is made. (Update posted Oct. 21, 2025)About WISE ProgramGrants (cost-…