April is Water Conservation Month in the State of Florida. In fact, this is the 27th year the month has been designated for water conservation awareness and efforts.
The Town of Orchid is also a participant, with the Town Council adopting a proclamation in advance of April at the March 12 meeting, which was especially well attended. Vice-Mayor Knapp presented the proclamation to special guest James Cannon, Intergovernmental Coordinator with St. Johns River Water Management District.
Mr. Cannon explained that the 2025 theme is “Irrigation System Evaluations", emphasizing them as a means of helping water conservation. Over time, irrigation systems can become less efficient or out-of-date with modern technology. Having your irrigation system checked every so often can help find areas due for an upgrade or replacement.
A misdirected or broken sprinkler head is easy to spot, but other issues may not be as apparent. Leaky irrigation doesn't just waste precious water resources, but can be harmful to the health of your landscaping and surrounding waterways too.
Below is the text of this year's Water Conservation Month proclamation in the Town of Orchid:
- Whereas, the Town of Orchid is nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian River Lagoon, 2 treasured bodies of water that support valuable ecosystems and provide recreational opportunities; and
- Whereas, water conservation plays an important role in reducing runoff that can pollute waterways, devastate marine life, and cause harmful algal blooms in the ocean and lagoon; and
- Whereas, responsible and considered use of irrigation, fertilizer, and native plant species for managed landscapes is paramount to promoting a healthy environment, including specifically in our nearby waterways and the ocean to which water runoff from excess irrigation eventually flows; and
- Whereas, efficient irrigation design, programming, and maintenance can conserve water, the Town will, in April, encourage local residents and businesses to evaluate their irrigation systems for potential efficiency enhancements.
- Now therefore, the Town Council of the Town of Orchid wishes to promote water conservation concepts within the community, which so relies on a healthy ocean and lagoon for our exceptional quality of life; thus
- Be it proclaimed that the Town Council of the Town of Orchid, in a public meeting this 12th day of March in the year 2025, is enthusiastic to participate in the State of Florida’s 27th Water Conservation Month and will hereby recognize April 2025 as Water Conservation Month.