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​Why Conserve Water?

Water is one of our most important resources. We use it every day for drinking, bathing, recreation, watering our lawns, growing crops, and more. Even though South Florida receives about 53 inches of rainfall each year, our unpredictable weather means we can go from saturation to drought conditions very quickly. Water conservation efforts ensure that we have a steady supply of water year-round.

In Florida, as of 2020, the average person uses about 128 gallons of water a day. As water demands continue to increase in our area, it is projected that Florida will need about 4.1 billion gallons a day by 2040.

Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department's (PBCWUD) drinking water is drawn from wells extending approximately 150 feet underground into the surficial aquifer. It is important for us to conserve water and replenish the aquifer for our benefit and for the environment.

Keep reading to learn about what we are doing to conserve water and how you can help, too.​


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​What is PBCWUD Doing to Conserve Water?

Reclaimed Water

Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department provides reclaimed water to golf courses, commercial and residential lawns for irrigation. Using reclaimed water alleviates the demand on our aquifer and therefore increases the amount of fresh drinking water available.

Reclaimed Water Benefits:

  • Increases the availability of drinking water
  • Helps sustain the life of plants and animals
  • Eliminates restrictions on irrigation
  • Contains nutrients to promote healthy landscaping

Click here to learn more about Reclaimed Water
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​Wetlands

Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department provides reclaimed water to the Wakodahatchee and Green Cay Wetlands. These wetlands act as percolation ponds and return billions of gallons of fresh water back into the aquifer.

Click here to learn more about Wetlands

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​Things You Can Do To Save Water

Inside:

  • Check faucets, pipes and toilets for leaks and make repairs expediently. Even small leaks can waste over 20 gallons or more a day.

  • Install high efficiency water fixtures such as toilets and showerheads.

  • Shorten your shower time. A reduction of 1 minute can save over 500 gallons of water a year.

  • While waiting for the water to get warm, place a bucket under the faucet to collect the cold water and use it to water your plants.

  • Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.

  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.


Outside:

  • Plant drought-resistant and Florida-Friendly native trees and grasses. This vegetation is locally adapted and has lower water demands than lawns.

  • Only water your lawn when necessary. Do so early in the morning or in the evening to prevent evaporation.

  • If using sprinklers, adjust the rate of water; length of schedule and ensure the system has rain shut-off capability.

  • Apply mulch around shrubs and flower beds to reduce evaporation, promote plant growth and control weeds.

  • Adjust lawn mower blades to a higher notch since longer grass means less evaporation.

  • Turn off the hose while washing your car. Only use it to rinse.

  • Use reclaimed water for irrigation, if available.
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