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.
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.
Register via email or call (813) 744-5519, ext.144. The following information is needed to register: full name(s); mailing address; and phone number.
2008 Workshop Dates:
Confirmation letters with site directions are sent 1 week prior to the workshop.
Register by clicking the links below and filling in the form provided, or call 744-5519 x 105. Please provide your full name, mailing address (for each household attending), daytime phone number and date of workshop.
All workshops will be at the Hillsborough County Extension Office, unless otherwise noted.
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August 9 |
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September 6 |
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October 4 |
| November 15 | |
| July 12 |
WATER-WISE LINKS:
Publications
The following publications are PDFs and require
Adobe Acrobat Reader to view them.
Water Conservation Calendar
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Drought Conditioning Your Tampa Bay Lawn
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What is the Florida Irrigation Society?
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Watering Your Florida Lawn
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How to Calibrate Your Sprinkler System
Web Sites
- Hillsborough County Water Resource Services
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City of Tampa Water Department
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Florida Native Plant Society
Irrigation Manufacturers
- www.antelco.com
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www.rainbird.com
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www.misterlandscaper.com
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www.digcorp.com
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www.netafirm.com
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www.geoflow.com
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www.mrdrip.com
Maria Carver
Water-Wise Program Coordinator
(813) 744-5519 x144
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