The Post Volume 7, Issue 16

Dry Times Call For Conservation Measures

--Floridians Should Use Water Wisely--

Reaffirming the state’s commitment to protecting and preserving Florida’s water supply and quality, the month of April is recognized as Water Conservation Month. Celebrating water conservation helps encourage Floridians to become environmental stewards at home and in their community.

“By pursuing state and local partnerships, adopting growth management practices and implementing conservation strategies, we can protect our water quality, as well as ensure a reliable supply of water for the state’s natural resources and water needs for our growing economy,” said Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole.

Parts of Florida, including South and Southwest Florida, are currently experiencing severe drought conditions. Times like this remind Floridians of the importance of protecting and conserving the water resources as well as developing alternative supplies.

In light of the current drought conditions, DEP’s Secretary Sole formed the Drought Working Group, which includes representatives from DEP, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS), Division of Emergency Management (DEM), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). The Working Group has updated the 2007 State of Florida Drought Action Plan, taking steps to conserve water, implement restrictions where necessary and develop long-term solutions to prepare for future drought conditions.

However, government alone cannot protect against the effects of the drought, Florida’s residents and visitors alike also must help. The easiest and quickest way to help is through conservation. Floridians can adopt simple habits to help protect and conserve water:

Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. You can save up to 4 gallons a minute. That’s 200 gallons a week for a family of four.
Take shorter showers and install a low-flow showerhead. For an investment of $10 or less you can save $50 to $75 per year on water bills and $20 to $50 or more per year on energy bills.
Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full and save 1,000 gallons a month. If you wash dishes by hand don't leave the water running for rinsing and you can save 200 to 500 gallons a month.
Repair dripping faucets. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you can waste 2,700 gallons per year.
Do not leave sprinklers or hoses unattended. A garden hose can pour out 600 gallons or more in only a few hours.

For more information on the Drought Action Plan and to see “50 Tips for Water Conservation,” please visit www.dep.state.fl.us/drought.

Florida Outlines 2007 Drought Action Plan

On Monday, Governor Charlie Crist and U.S. Senator Bill Nelson joined Lt. Governor Jeff Kottkamp, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS) Commissioner Charles Bronson, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Michael W. Sole, Florida Division of Emergency Management (DEM) Director Craig Fugate and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District Commander Colonel Paul Grosskruger to discuss the current drought conditions and water conservation measures in Florida. ...more

DEP and Department of Education Celebrate Earth Day at the Capitol

The Department, in conjunction with the Council for Sustainable Florida (CSF), held the annual Earth Day Celebration at the Capitol on Wednesday. This year’s celebration, 'Science, Education, and the Environment,” both reflects and coincides with National Environmental Education Week, recognized April 15-22, 2007. ...more