Water-Wise Program

Watering restrictions are commonplace throughout Florida, but many homeowners still over-water. Over-watering does more than deplete the water supply; it also makes grass and plants prone to pests and diseases. The more you water plants the faster they grow and the more they need to be mowed and/or pruned. By operating an irrigation system correctly, you can reduce water bills and maintenance while ensuring the health of your landscape.

The Water-Wise Program is sponsored by a grant from the Hillsborough County Water Resource Services. Workshops are sponsored by the Hillsborough County Water Resource Services and the Tampa Water Department.

WATER-WISE WORKSHOPS

RETROFIT WORKSHOPS

CONTACT US

WATER-WISE TIPS:

• Reduce the need for watering by choosing water-efficient and drought-tolerant plants that suit your landscape needs. Plant them in the right place! If you group plants according to their watering and sunlight needs, you can reduce their demand for irrigation and other care.
• Separate lawn irrigation zones from tree and shrub zones. Root systems differ between a plant and turf grass. If you modify your irrigation system , your watering will become more efficient.
• Water in the early morning (4-7am). This is the most efficient time because temperature and wind are low, which reduces evaporation.
• Water "as needed." Apply 1/2-inch to 1-inch of water when 50% of the lawn area shows sign of drought. Water less in cooler months (November - March), and turn off irrigation systems during the summer rainy season.

ATTEND A WATER-WISE WORKSHOP...

Your lawn and landscape will benefit from this FREE program! The Water-Wise Workshop covers Florida-friendly landscaping principles, water conservation tips, and micro/drip-irrigation. Pre-registration is required. Hillsborough County attendees receive a free micro-irrigation starter kit (limit one per household).

*NOTE: If you live in a county other than Hillsborough County, you must pay $20 to receive the micro-irrigation starter kit when you attend the workshop.

Check our Events Calendar for Water Wise workshop dates.

All workshops will be at the Hillsborough County Extension Office, unless otherwise noted.

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MICRO-IRRIGATION RETROFIT WORKSHOP

Learn how to convert your existing sprinkler system to a more efficient, low-volume micro-irrigation system for your landscape plants. You and your landscape will benefit from this FREE program! Pre-registration is required.

Register via or call (813) 744-5519, ext.144. The following information is needed to register: full name(s); mailing address; and phone number.

UPCOMING DATES:

March 7, 2009 - At West Tampa Branch Library at 2321 W. Union, 10:30am to 11:30am.

March 25, 2009 - At Town & Country Library 7606 Paula Dr., 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

March 28, 2009 - At Plant Park GreenFest, 12pm to 1pm.

April 15, 2009 - At Tampa Garden Club on Bayshore Blvd., 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

May 9, 2009 - At New Tampa Library, 10001 Cross Creek, 10:30am to 11:30am.

 

WATER-WISE LINKS:

Publications

The following publications are PDFs and require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them.
Water Conservation Calendar
- Drought Conditioning Your Tampa Bay Lawn
- What is the Florida Irrigation Society?
- Watering Your Florida Lawn
- How to Calibrate Your Sprinkler System

Web Sites

- Hillsborough County Water Resource Services
- City of Tampa Water Department
- Florida Native Plant Society

Irrigation Manufacturers

- www.antelco.com
- www.rainbird.com
- www.misterlandscaper.com
- www.digcorp.com
- www.netafirm.com
- www.geoflow.com
- www.mrdrip.com

Contact Us:

Maria Carver

Water-Wise Program Coordinator

(813) 744-5519 x144

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