water efficiently, reduce stormwater runoff, and protect the waterfront by julio perez university of...
TRANSCRIPT
Water Efficiently, Reduce Stormwater Runoff, and Protect the Waterfront
by Julio Perez University of Florida, IFAS/Broward County Extension Education SectionParks and Recreation [email protected]
Water: the world’s life blood
– Covers approximately 71% of the Earth’s Surface
– 97% of it is saline– Accounts for around
60% of your body weight (1 gal= 8.3 lbs)
– It is a limited renewable resource
Water: the world’s life blood
– *28 billion gallons per day of surface water
– *82.6 billion gallons per day of groundwater
– Approximately 73 million people are in extreme drought areas
– These areas are also places where most of U.S. produce comes from
We aren’t in the drought zone
–Our water sources depend on rain for replenishment
–High pressure from the flow of fresh water keeps saltwater out of the aquifers
We aren’t in the drought zone– South and Central
Florida uses about 8 billion gal. of water daily
– As we drain water from the aquifer the pressure that kept saline waters out lessens and leads to saltwater intrusion
–We may not be in a drought zone but we have had water sortages
What can we do?–Right Plant Right Place–Water Efficiently– Fertilize Appropriately–Mulch–Attract Wildlife–Manage Yard Pest Responsibly–Recycle yard Waste–Reduce Storm water Runoff–Protect the Water Front
Watering Efficiently–Get to know your yard• Dry/wet spots• Sunny/shaded areas
–How do you want to utilize your yard?• Butterflies and birds?• Play area for kids?• Social area?
– Plan out your landscaping.
Getting to know your yard–Knowing the make up of your yard and
how you want to use it will lead to the right plant for the right place
– Planting a water loving plant in a dry place or vice versa can lead to high stress and costs.
–Grouping plants that are alike will help when managing resources
Watering–Know if there are any water restrictions• www.sfwmd.gov- South Florida Water
Management District
–Water early in the morning– Let plants tell you when they need water
Watering–Hand water when
possible– If you need to use
irrigation systems• Perform regular
maintenance• Use microirrigation• Be mindful of the
weather
Other Water Saving suggestions
–Mulch Plants• 2-3 inches• Keeps moisture in the
soil
–Mow correctly• 3 inch suggested mowing
height• Taller grass leads to deeper
root systems
–Use a rain barrel• Use food quality barrel• Free water
Reduce Stormwater Runoff
What is Stormwater Runoff?–When it rains it usually
pours–Water will follow the
path of least resistance–Much is absorbed into
the soil but excess water will flow into canals, wetlands and eventually to the ocean
Stormwater Runoff
–As water flows into canals it will carry:• Natural debris• Fertilizers and
pesticides• And other pollutants
How can we reduce Storm Water Runoff
–Plant rain gardens near drain spouts• Slows the flow of
water• Use water loving and
drought tolerant plants such as mullygrass, native ferns, and mist flower
How can we reduce Storm Water Runoff
–Use porous surfaces for walkways, sidewalks and driveways• Porous surfaces allows
more surface area for the absorption of water• Absorbed water
delivers fertilizers to the roots
How can we reduce Storm Water Runoff
–Water collection using rain barrels and cisterns• Save water for dry
season• Lower your water bill• But make sure you
secure it from Mosquitos• Make sure it is high
enough for your needs
Examples of rain Barrels
Examples of rain Barrels
Protecting the Water Front
–If you live on a canal or other body of water you should do your part to protect it• Shoreline vegetation• Establish a maintenance
free zone• Mow and Fertilize
correctly
Shoreline vegetation–Shore plants are needed to
prevent shore line erosion–You should check with your
HOA or city to see if you are able to plant along shoreline– If you can’t, plant a row of
plants where you are permitted to slow the flow of water and nutrients
Establish a maintenance free zone
–Suggested zone is 10 feet from waters edge–Another way to filter fertilizers and pesticides before reaching the water
Mow and Fertilize correctly–Make sure that
mower is facing way from the water–Follow directions
when using fertilizer–Us a broadcast
shield that will deflect fertilizer from water
We All live near a canal or lake
–Mow away from streets–Create compost pile with grass clipping–Don’t over fertilize or over use pesticides
Questions
• Information for the presentation, including some of the pictures, was taken from The Florida “Yards and Neighborhoods Handbook” which can be found online at http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/materials/FYN_Handbook_vSept09.pdf
• The other graphics were taken from a Google search for the topic of the slide.
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™:A collaborative effort
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Contact Information
NatureScape Broward ProgramFor Yard Certification, See http://
www.broward.org/NaturalResources/NatureScape/Pages/HowToGetCertified.aspx
then contact: [email protected]
Florida-Friendly Landscaping: Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Program
Florida Master Gardeners of Broward CountyUF-IFAS/ Broward County Extension Education
Parks and Recreation Division(954) 357-5270
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
A SERVICE OF THE BROWARD COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Broward county programs are open to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability or sexual orientation. Disabled individuals are requested to notify program two days prior to
program for auxiliary aids if assistance is required. Disabled parking space and wheelchair ramp are available.
”The Foundation for the Gator Nation, An Equal Opportunity Institution.”
This public document was promulgated at a cost of $126 or $1.26 cents per copy to inform the public about Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM , NatureScape, and how to conserve water and reduce nonpoint source pollution.