Legislation moving through Tallahassee makes it possible…
Smart irrigation technology provides the freedom to irrigate landscapes and
conserve water resources
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.--(Business Wire)--
An amendment proposed for SB 494 and included in SB 2530 includes a new
alternative for water conserving landscape irrigation. The amendment calls for
using a "smart controller" within conditions of each water management district
and proposes to exempt users from watering restrictions.
The key thing that makes smart irrigation controllers a better bet for
homeowners and water managers is that they use only the water that is needed and
only when it`s needed. According to University of Florida studies, using this
technology can save up to 80 percent of water used for irrigation-while still
giving landscapes the water they need to be healthy and beautiful. According to
studies, such systems save up to 24 percent of water during wet periods and up
to 80 percent in dry periods. In short, this technology will save water and
reduce homeowner aggravation all year `round.
Those homeowners, developers and businesses who adopt this most-efficient
technology will be granted a "variance" from irrigation restrictions. Properties
using the technology will have proper signage indicating that they are
participating in the "Smart Irrigator" program.
Because this program is not much different than programs the water management
districts already have, administration of this program will not cost more to
administer. In fact, with online access to smart controllers, it will be easier
for utilities and water management districts to monitor both compliance and
water use. If users do not properly install and use the technology, the variance
can be revoked.
"The Florida Wildlife Federation supports this because we know that smart
conservation practices are critical to protecting the quality of life including
the environment and the landscapes we love," Jay Liles, Policy Consultant to the
Florida Wildlife Federation.
SOURCE MATERIAL
SB 494
http://www.flsenate.gov/session/index.cfm?BI_Mode=ViewBillInfo&Mode=Bills&ElementID=JumpToBox&SubMenu=1&Year=2009&billnum=494
SB 2530
http://www.flsenate.gov/session/index.cfm?BI_Mode=ViewBillInfo&Mode=Bills&ElementID=JumpToBox&SubMenu=1&Year=2009&billnum=2530
Experts:
Michael Dukes, Ph.D. University of Florida http://www.agen.ufl.edu/~mdukes/
Southwest Florida Water Management District study
http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/outdoors/irrigation.php
The Environmental Affairs Group
Honey Rand, Ph.D., APR, 813-948-6400
honey@eprgroup.com
Copyright Business Wire 2009
