Water Conservation

Consider this scenario. You’re in the throes of production and it’s the time of the growing season when irrigation is critical. You want to learn more about improving ways to conserve water, but it’s tough for a nursery owner to leave during this most important time. Growers in Florida have the opportunity for help to come to them.

For more than fifteen years, partnership-based Mobile Irrigation Labs (MILs) have been operating throughout Florida. There are 17 MILs providing service to more than 60 counties. Each MIL consists of a one- or two-person team, a vehicle and field equipment. The MIL services are free and provide site-specific expertise in analyzing irrigation systems and educating property owners on how to improve water conservation and use. The MILs provide recommendations on the improvement of existing irrigation systems and equipment, and educate their customers and the general public on water conservation, irrigation planning and irrigation management.

Although the MILs initially targeted agricultural water use, they also assist residential and commercial water users. Nurseries, landscapers and golf courses have benefited greatly from the education and guidance provided by the MILs. Some MILs help identify water quality improvement opportunities available through Best Management Practices (BMPs).

“This is a water efficiency improvement program that the water management districts offer to agriculture, horticulture and other end-users,” said Jeff Whealton, Agricultural Program Coordinator at the Southwest Florida Water Management District. “The MILs benefit the grower immediately because they realize an instant savings in water use.”

Since 2004, MILs have conducted more than 7,800 evaluations, resulting in water savings of more than 8.5 billion gallons of water a year, with the potential to save more than 18.7 billion gallons a year if all their recommendations were implemented. The cost to conserve water through MIL services is very competitive when compared to the cost of developing new sources of water. Besides the water savings, growers will also save fuel and fertilizer, as well as protect water quality.

A MIL consists of one or more trained irrigation specialists who evaluate the performance of a wide variety of irrigation systems, by taking measurements and by making observations of the system. From these on-site evaluations, the MIL personnel provide recommendations for making system and/or system management improvements (if needed).

These MILs operate within four of the five water management districts, and receive support from three of the districts, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, selected counties, and/or selected utilities in the state.

For more: www.floridaagwaterpolicy.com.