Vice-Mayor Stephen Shelley took to the podium during April’s Special Council Presentations to proclaim, on behalf of Mayor Jeff Porter, the month of April as Water Conservation Month in the City of Homestead. Armando Vilaboy, Intergovernmental Representative of the South Florida Water Management District, stood aside the Vice-Mayor as he addressed the council chamber.
“Water is a basic and essential need of every living creature,” began Vice-Mayor Shelley. “Ninety percent of Florida’s drinking water is supplied by underlying aquifers and our quality of life and economy depend on a clean and healthy environment. The State of Florida, Water Management Districts and the City of Homestead are working together to increase awareness about the importance of water conservation and to educate citizens on how they can help preserve our most precious natural resource.”
Water demand in April, the last month of Florida’s dry season, is typically higher than in other months. This increase in water usage is a result of rising temperatures and establishing new residential landscapes. Landscape irrigation accounts for the largest percentage of household water use in the state of Florida. The water that we use primarily comes from the aquifer, which is also the source of our drinking water. Water conservation is the least costly and easiest way to preserve our freshwater resources.
After the proclamation was given, Mr. Vilaboy shared a few words. “I would like to thank the City of Homestead for their continued support in preserving a precious Florida Natural resource. Reduced water use helps the Biscayne Aquifer remain a viable, potable water source for South Floridians for the foreseeable future.”
