August 2024
By Michele Miller
What’s What New Port Richey
Summertime’s rainy season is upon us but now’s not the time to sit back on our laurels or put our heads in the sandy soil that Florida is so famous for. Even with the rainy weather patterns of late the aquifer is still at risk and area reservoir levels remain low.
In a recent press release, Pasco County Utilities Customer Information & Services Director Sandra Anderson stated that regional conditions are still drier than normal. Due to that, heightened water restrictions are being extended until September 1, 2024.
So maybe we should turn the irrigation off when there’s been a soaking.
If everyone conserved a little it would add up to a lot, said Pasco’s Water Conservation & Efficiency Coordinator Phoenix McKinney, noting that if we all lessened our usage by just one gallon a day it would save over 10.24 million gallons.
That’s a dent.
One that could be furthered with simple practices, like picking up a broom to sweep off the driveway or patio rather than hosing and tending to your irrigation to ensure it isn’t leaking and that you’re not watering the sidewalk or streets.
“When you have puddles or sidewalks are wet then there are some improvements that can be made.,” she said. “The sad part about that is that if you are putting water into the street and the sidewalk you are paying for that and not getting the benefit.”
Some 30% of residential water usage is inside the house. Regular practices to conserve include using the dishwasher – full – instead of washing by hand, taking a shower rather than a bath, timing those showers, and installing a low-flow shower head along with turning off the water when brushing your teeth and lathering your hands while singing the birthday song, then giving them a good rinse.
Conservationists could also dig a shallow well to meet those outdoor watering needs, install a controller, and replace that old, leaky toilet with the hefty flush.
But that costs money.
Yes, but residents and business owners in Pasco County and the Tampa Bay area can get help with the cost through rebates offered through the Tampa Bay Water Wise Rebate Program.
Those who reside in an older home or own a business in an older building might want to know that the old wasteful, leaky flusher that uses about 3.5 gallons per flush can be replaced with one of those new-fangled improved models that use about 1.2 gallons per flush.
Add to that the fact that the old leaky toilet is already adding to the cost of that monthly water bill.
Presently, Pasco County has more than 6,400 buildings that were built before 1994 when high-volume toilets were the only option, according to Public Information Officer, Ryan Hughes. These days the most efficient WaterSense-labeled low flow averages a minimal 1.28 gallons or less per flush.
Residents and commercial property owners can get a bit of a break on replacement costs courtesy of rebates that Pasco County Utilities offers via the Tampa Bay Water Wise Regional Rebate Program. Rebates are also available for outdoor irrigation. (see below). Link to rebates pascocountyfl.net/services/utilities/residential/water_programs_and_rebates
Other practices to look into, McKinney said, include planting ground covers instead of thirsty grass and planting the right plant in the right place. That information is accessible through the University of Florida IFAS Extension Program’s Florida-Friendly Landscaping Programs and programs with the UF|IFAS Pasco Extension Service.
“Efficient watering and proper plants and plant placement have proven that landscapes can thrive on once-a-week watering,” Anderson said.
If you’re thinking about the future and sustainability, it’s worth a look and worth the effort – NOW.
“We don’t have any extra water,” McKinney said. “Potable and refined water are finite resources so learning to conserve them is really to everyone’s advantage.”
Tampa Bay Water Wise Regional Rebate Program
- High-efficiency toilets: Homeowners can receive a rebate of $40–$100, depending on the type of toilet being replaced. High-efficiency toilets can reduce indoor water use by up to 20% per year, which can lower water bills.
- Smart irrigation controllers: Rebates can be free or up to $250.
- Shallow wells for outdoor irrigation: Rebates can be up to $1,000
Sign up to have the FREE What’s What New Port Richey biweekly newsletter delivered directly to your inbox
