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 South
Florida is experiencing one of the driest times
in our history. Water restrictions are in effect in
Miami and year-round restrictions are being
considered
to protect our drinking water and our
environment. You can help by conserving water.
In
your
Home
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Never pour
excess water down the drain; find another
use for it, such as watering plants.
-
Do not use
running water to thaw frozen foods. Defrost
overnight in the refrigerator, or use the
defrost setting on microwaves.
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Do not let the
water run while brushing teeth, shaving, or
washing your face.
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Take shorter
showers and replace showerheads with an
ultra-low-flow version. (The water pressure
is still high!)
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Avoid flushing
the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissue,
insects, and similar wastes in the trash,
rather than the toilet.
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If you use well
water, check the well pump periodically. If
the pump turns on and off while water is not
being used, there is a leak.
In your Yard
The average person
in Miami-Dade uses 158 gallons of water a day.
Almost half of that total is used outside the
home, often wastefully, to maintain landscapes.
Developing efficient practices and using water
wisely to enhance our life can help our
community avoid, or at least lessen, the
likelihood of future water shortages.
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Water lawns in
the early morning and or late evening when
temperatures and wind speeds are lowest.
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Position
sprinklers so water lands on vegetation and
not paved areas.
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Use a broom or
blower to clear driveway and walkways of
debris, rather than a hose.
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Avoid over
fertilizing your lawn. Too much fertilizer
increases vegetation’s need for water.
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Turn sprinkler
off during heavy rains. Most of the year,
lawns only need one inch of water per week.
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Use an automatic
shut-off nozzle on your hose to prevent
running water. When finished using the hose,
turn it off at the faucet and not at the
nozzle.
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Use a commercial
car wash that recycles water. If you wash
your car at home, park on the grass and use
an automatic shut-off nozzle.
Resources to Save Water at Home
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