GLEE
Only

Water Conservation

Mission: 

To reduce demand on potable water in the Florida Keys which will protect our ecosystem and create financial savings for residents and businesses through the adoption of efficient water use practices and conversion to water saving devices and appliances (WaterSense rated, similar to Energy Star).

Why Water Conservation The Florida Keys ecosystem is fragile and dependent on the water supply cycle that also supports the greater Everglades ecosystem. Our drinking water supply is drawn from the Biscayne and Floridan Aquifers through wells near Florida City. Our water supply is limited to ensure that the aquifers retain enough water to restore and preserve the natural hydrologic conditions of the region. In short, Conserving water in the Keys protects the water quality of the ocean surrounding us.

Successes

  1. GLEE Expo 2005: Water Conservation professionals from the South Florida Water Management District and the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority conducted workshops for over 100 people, and conservation product vendors educated attendees at booths and demonstrations.
  2. Rainbarrel Workshops: GLEE was given $10,000 from South Florida Water Management District's Alternative Water Grant. In return, GLEE has given away 100 rainbarrels during a series of workshops at GreenThumb nurseries throughout the Keys. During the 2-hour workshop, participants construct their own rain barrel from scratch & learn tips about Keys-friendly gardening and landscaping.

Goals:

  To educate and engage all Florida Keys water consumers in practicing conservation on a daily basis-in homes, outdoors, and as part of businesses standard operating procedures. To garner active participation in these efforts from the city, county, and federal government agencies in the Keys and from hoteliers, restaurants, landscapers, nurseries, and developers.

What You Can Do

  • Outside
  • Use a broom to clean your sidewalk and driveway not the hose.
  • Water the lawn between 5pm and 9am.
  • Avoid over-watering and use a rain-sensor on your sprinkler.
  • Use a shut-off nozzle on your hose and wash cars on the lawn.
  • Don't water your pavement!
  • Inside
  • Shorten your shower to 5 minutes.
  • Turn water off while soaping up and shaving, and while brushing your teeth.
  • Only run the washing machine and dishwasher with full loads.
  • Fill the sink to wash dishes by hand, don't rinse them under running water.
  • Check for leaks!