Install a Rain Barrel -Collect rain water in a rain barrel or cistern to water plants. For more information on rain barrels, click here.
Install a Smart Irrigation Controller - "Smart controllers" reduce outdoor water use by monitoring and using information about local site conditions; such as rain, soil moisture, soil, etc. Using this information, the controller can communicate with the irrigation system to water only when needed and apply the right amount of water. Check out WaterSense labeled controllers here for more information.
Use a Compost Bin -Recycle and reuse your indoor and outdoor waste. Reduce the amount of trash you are taking to the landfill. Composting is easy and beneficial. For more information on composting, click here.
Plant a Vegetable Garden -Grow your own vegetables and water them with micro-irrigation and fertilize with your compost.
Direct Rainwater Into a Rain Garden -Direct rainwater from your roof into a low landscaped area in your yard. A rain garden reduces the runoff that leaves your yard.
Install & Maintain a Florida-Friendly Yard -Florida-Friendly Landscapes are cost-saving, efficient, environmentally friendly and beautiful. For more information, click here.
Leave Grass Clippings on the Lawn -Grass clippings don’t need to be collected, reduce waste and let the clippings break down to benefit your lawn.
Pick Up After Your Pets -Prevent bacteria from entering our waterways by picking up after your pets.
Maintain a Healthy Waterfront -Plant around your lake or pond, keep fertilizers away from the water and maintain native plants for a healthy waterfront.
Direct Downspouts -Allow runoff to soak into the ground by directing downspouts onto porous surfaces.
Questions?
Call City of Lakeland Water Utilities at 863.834.6193 or the UF/IFAS Extension Polk County Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ at 863.519.1047.
Composting is an environmentally friendly way of converting yard debris or certain types of food waste into a nutrient rich soil amendment. This dark, crumbly material is created by microorganisms decomposing the organic matter into something plants can readily use. Composting helps conserve water by acting as a natural fertilizer, therefore reducing the need for chemical ones that often end up in our groundwater. Below you will find helpful links that can get you started.
The UF/IFAS Extension Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ (FFL) Program provides Polk County residents with information to help protect natural resources. Practicing the nine principles of FFL reduces your need for water, fertilizers, and pesticides, all while creating and maintaining a beautiful landscape.
Check out University of Florida's Polk County IFASExtension's page for more information:
On average, 30% to 50% of the water used by residential households is used outside, specifically through irrigation.
Did you know it's the law? Florida Statute 373.62(1) Any person who purchases and installs an automatic landscape irrigation system must properly install, maintain, and operate technology that inhibits or interrupts operation of the system during periods of sufficient moisture.
Do you need help troubleshooting your irrigation system? Check out PRWC's website here for information.
Did you know, using a rain barrel can save you money as well as improve the health of your plants? 1 inch of rain on a 1,000 sq. ft. roof yields 623 gallons of water. Use the links below to find out more!
