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Letter to the editor 7/30/20

SJRWMD: Water less during the rainy season


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To the editor:
Florida’s rainy season extends from May through October, typically accounting for up to 70% of our annual rainfall totals. Our summer afternoon thunderstorms and tropical rains mean that Mother Nature may be able to handle much of your lawn watering over the next few months, helping to save Florida’s water and your money.
The St. Johns River Water Management District’s recently released 2019 Annual Water Use Survey shows declining water use during the past 10 years within our 18-county region, despite an increase in population. While this positive trend is encouraging, lawn and landscape irrigation continue to account for half of all daily residential water use.
The seasonal themes of the district’s Water Less campaign promote easy ways to make outdoor water conservation part of a regular routine at our homes or businesses.
“Watch the Weather, Wait to Water,” the summertime theme, promotes such a simple concept but one we may overlook while preoccupied with today’s other pressing concerns.
Generally, the wettest months in inland areas, such as Orlando and Gainesville, occur early in the season, in either June or July. At coastal stations, such as Daytona Beach, Vero Beach, the Jacksonville Beaches and all but the most westerly portion of Duval County, the wettest weather usually comes later, in September or October, when tropical storm activity is more frequent. These are average patterns, so it’s best to pay attention to your local conditions – watch the weather, wait to water.
We’ve all seen broken or misdirected sprinkler heads spraying water onto sidewalks and pavement or an irrigation system running full blast despite a recent downpour. A regular irrigation system checkup, even a quick look to make sure sprinkler heads and required rain sensors are functioning properly, can make a difference.
We’re grateful to all those helping us raise awareness of the small behavior changes that can lead to big improvements. Join us in protecting our water resources now and in the future. Visit our campaign website, WaterLessFlorida.com, to learn more.
Ann Shortelle, Ph.D.
Executive Director
St. Johns River Water Management District