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Do your part to help conserve Florida's water;
We grow Florida-friendly plants that need less water;
We only serve water when asked;
We ask that our guests reuse their towels
On this page, you'll find many ways to manage commercial and industrial water use that save water and money. Use these tips as a starting point for creating best management practices for your business.
With your help, fostering a strong ethic of conservation will protect South Florida's limited water resources. Conservation helps to ensure a more sustainable water supply for natural systems and Floridians today and tomorrow.
NEW! Water Use Efficiency Tools for Facility Managers This hands-on, comprehensive Water Efficiency Improvement Self-Assessment Guide was developed by the SFWMD to help managers understand their building's water use and develop a plan of action to increase efficiency without sacrificing performance. more »
The guide includes step-by-step instructions and spreadsheet calculators to walk managers and facilities maintenance personnel through the process. The manual and calculators can be downloaded here.
Become a Florida Water Star Florida Water Star is a voluntary, points-based certification program that recognizes and encourages water use efficiency in single-family homes. Florida Water Star certification means a builder's or developer's property meets fundamental criteria for efficiently using water in residential irrigation, landscape design and indoor water-using fixtures and appliances. more »
The program is administered locally by the South Florida Water Management District. In addition to improving water efficiency in existing homes, Florida Water Star can be effectively integrated into residential construction projects along with other green certification programs – such as ENERGY STAR®, the Florida Green Building Coalition's green standards and the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED program. When compared to many other green building certifications, Florida Water Star is noticeably more detailed and relevant to Florida's unique conditions. It can therefore further enhance the effectiveness of other certification programs in South Florida.
Water Management District-trained certifiers are available to evaluate your property and help you earn your Florida Water Star plaque today!
With your help, fostering a strong ethic of conservation will protect South Florida's limited water resources. Conservation helps to ensure a more sustainable water supply for natural systems and Floridians today and for generations to come.
Ideas for Condo and Homeowner Associations Are you on the Board of Directors for your condominium or homeowners association? Here are guidelines and suggestions for making sure that your neighborhood is helping to conserve water. more »
EDUCATION
Knowledge is power. Educate others about how they can help to save water at your building or facility. You may be surprised at how willing South Floridians are to chip in once they know what to do!
Don't clean sidewalks and driveways with water. A hose can use 25 gallons in just 5 minutes. Remember: A broom is best.
Check for leaks! Note the number of outdoor faucets on the outsides of buildings. Make a list and check every one regularly.
Cover pools when not in use. An average-sized pool loses about 1,000 gallons per day. A pool cover can cut these losses by 70% or more.
PLUMBING MEASURES FOR EACH UNIT
Replace toilets with Ultra Low-Flush Models, or retrofit with low-flow flappers. Retrofit faucets with aerators, or consider alternative faucet types such as self-closing or automatic sensor-controlled faucets. Many county and city water utilities offer rebates.
Replace showerheads with low-flow models.
Check for leaks! Do dye tablet or food coloring tests in toilets to check for hidden leaks. Be sure to flush the coloring after 10-15 minutes to prevent staining. Check for dripping faucets indoors and out.
COMMON LAUNDRY AREAS
Efficient washing machines can save up to 20 gallons per load. These also save on energy. If you are replacing laundry facilities, don't even consider anything but the new horizontal axis models. These not only save up to 40% of water used, but deliver even more substantial energy savings – up to 65%!
Water boilers also require blow-down, or bleed-off, just like air conditioners. Monitor total dissolved solids, and blow down only when necessary!
Avoid excessive filter or softener back flush. Back flush only when needed.
Landscapers Find resources to help you and your customers design and maintain a beautiful landscape – while also doing your part to conserve water. more »
EPA WaterSense The South Florida Water Management District is partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to bring to you WaterSense, a national program that offers a simple way to choose appliances and other products that use less water – and perform as well or better than your existing products.
Create a beautiful landscape and save water, too! You can save yourself and your customers time and money – by making smart choices about what you plant, where plants are located within the landscape and how landscapes are maintained.
Hotels and Motels To encourage hotels and motels to conserve water, the South Florida Water Management District introduced the Water Conservation Hotel and Motel Program (Water CHAMP) in 2009. Through 2010, the SFWMD program included 36 properties in Stuart and the Florida Keys, with water conservation measures for a combined 1,879 rooms adopted. more »
Full participation in South Florida Water Management District's Water CHAMP means that your property may meet the water conservation criteria for Florida Green Lodging designation, pending verification by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Visit www.dep.state.fl.us/greenlodging for more information.
Restaurants From making simple operational changes in your restaurant to displaying professionally designed table cards letting customers know you only serve water at their request to avoid waste, it's easy to join South Florida's campaign to conserve water. more »
Make employees and customers aware of the importance of water conservation.
Seek employee suggestions on water conservation.
Install signs encouraging water conservation in employee and customer restrooms.
Read water meter weekly to monitor your success at water conservation.
Provide table signs explaining your water conservation efforts.
Serve water only when requested by customer.
KITCHEN/BAR AREA
Turn off the continuous flow for the drain trays of the coffee/milk/soda beverage island; clean the trays only as needed.
Turn dishwasher off when not in use. Wash full loads only.
Replace spray heads in dishwasher to reduce water flow.
Use water from steam tables to wash down cooking area.
Use standing water to defrost frozen foods.
Use water-conserving ice makers.
Recycle water where feasible, consistent with state and county requirements.
Rinse utensils and dishes in standing water.
Wash vegetables in standing water; do not let water run in preparation sink.
EPA WaterSense The South Florida Water Management District is partnering with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to bring you WaterSense. It is a national program that offers a simple way to select appliances and other products that use less water – and perform as well or better than what you may already have in your home or business. more »
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