MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – Water is essential for our planet and plays a key role in our everyday activities. In Marion County, it is important to find a balance between using water wisely and conserving it for good environmental management.
Water is mainly used for homes, businesses, golf courses, and farming. By making some mindful changes to conserve water, we can quickly help protect this resource and the environment for future generations.
Marion county: Demonstrating excellence in water efficiency practices
Most of the water used in Marion County is for homes, making up about 60% of the total. Simple changes, like fixing leaks or using better appliances, can greatly help with water conservation. About 20% of the water goes to agriculture, while industries and golf courses use the rest.
The County Engineer’s Office in Marion County has some helpful advice for saving water.
Upgrade leaky devices for water conservation
“Faucet leaks are the second most common type of leak within a home, behind toilet leaks,” says Trevor Knight, Water Resources Liaison for Marion County’s Office of the County Engineer. “The most common causes of faucet leaks are worn washers and gaskets. A faucet that drips at a rate of one drip per second wastes over 3,000 gallons of water per year. Even a faucet that drips at a rate of one drip every ten seconds wastes enough water in one year to take 18 showers. Not only does fixing faucet leaks conserve water, but it also prevents damage to cabinetry, walls, and floors.”
Finding and fixing leaks at the faucet base or head can save a lot of water. You can get help from local plumbers for big leaks and regular maintenance. Checking the meter readings often can help spot leaks early. Listening for strange sounds from the pump can also help keep wells in good shape and stop water waste from hidden leaks.
Check your sprinkler system and toilets
Keep an eye on sprinkler systems and service lines for leaks, which may show up as wet spots in your yard. You can check for toilet leaks by using a dye tablet or food coloring. Replacing old toilets with new, water-saving ones is also a good way to save water.
“In Florida, the average household spends 60 to 70% of its total water use for irrigation. Leaks in an irrigation system can drastically increase that amount,” says Knight. “Leaking irrigation lines and sprinkler heads can result in water damage to the home, damage to turfgrass and ornamental plants, increase the risk of developing a sinkhole, and cause excessive wear and tear on a well pump.”
Use water-efficient appliances
Modern home appliances are leading to better water usage. Showerheads and faucet aerators now use less water, measured in gallons per minute (GPM), but still provide good performance. Switching to water-saving washing machines can save up to 20 gallons of water with each load.
“High efficiency washing machines can reduce water used for washing clothes, particularly for large families,” says Knight. “They can also reduce energy consumption and detergent use.”
Wash dishes efficiently
Knight says that the most efficient use of water when washing dishes is to run a dishwasher once it is full. If you do not have a dishwasher or prefer to hand wash, he recommends filling one side of the sink with warm, soapy water and soak dishes in there, then rinse dishes off in the other side adding that it’s best to scrape food off dishes before washing, and never leave the faucet running.
“When trying to get faucet water warm, put a bowl under the faucet to capture the cold water. This water can then be used to fill pet water bowls or water house plants,” he explains. “Installing a faucet aerator can also help reduce water use when washing dishes.”
Go green with your lawn
Eco-friendly grass seed mixes are great options for homeowners who care about the environment. Following a regular mowing schedule helps save water and lowers evaporation. It’s best to choose native Florida plants since they grow well in the local climate.
Composting is also recommended.
“When properly applied, adding compost to your lawn can help improve soil structure, reduce food and yard waste, and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers while still increasing nutrient availability for your lawn,” says Knight.
Making smart changes in your home
There are many ways to save water, like insulating your water pipes and keeping an eye on how you wash dishes. You can also use water-saving cleaning methods and wash your car more efficiently. Adding rain barrels, spray nozzles, and on-demand water heaters can help reduce waste even more.
“Rain barrels can be an effective way to passively collect water, which can then be used to water house plants, ornamental plants in the landscape, or wash dirty tools or vehicles,” Knight notes, adding that it is not recommended to use water collected in rain barrels for pet water bowls or food crops.
Speaking of your vehicle, Knight says that washing it at home can lead to excessive water consumption as well as nutrient pollution.
“Many detergents used for washing vehicles contain phosphorus, which can lead to water quality issues if it becomes runoff into stormwater systems,” he says. “It is best to have your vehicle washed at a commercial car wash that recycles its water. If you do wash your vehicle at home make sure to use eco-friendly detergents, have a wash bucket and spray nozzle on your hose, and wash the vehicle on the grass instead of on the driveway to reduce runoff.”
Knight also mentions protecting the Floridan Aquifer System (FAS), which is one of the most productive aquifers in the world, covering about 100,000 square miles beneath Florida and parts of southeastern Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina. He says that the best practices include using only the water that you need to use. He adds that fertilizers should be used sparingly and responsibly, and that other ways of protecting the FAS are to maintain your septic system, dispose of wastes properly at landfills and recycling centers, and reduce the use of lawn irrigation as much as possible.