Saving & Using Rainwater During FL’s Statewide Water Demand

Although Florida is known for its lakes, rivers, and ocean, the state is currently experiencing a “statewide agricultural water demand”, prompting the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to build years-long plans to balance the water supply in each region. Due to its rising tourism industry, Florida’s water demand has steadily grown since the year 2020, with Central Florida projections showing an increased groundwater usage of 41% by 2045. 

The plans include simple sustainability methods that businesses and homeowners alike can take part in to help the situation:

 

Saving Rainwater

Rain Gardens

Consider adding a rain garden, or a water retention zone, to your landscape to prevent erosion and runoff while filtering out pollutants. The process works by excavating a site where water already pools up, then filling it with stone and gravel. The water eventually seeps into the soil, creating a low maintenance, sustainable irrigation method.

 

Rain Barrels

Rain barrels, similar to rain gardens, sit embedded in the ground where rain water normally gathers in your landscape. Use any large container, placing it under areas that catch a lot of runoff, such as below a roof. “One inch of rainwater per 1,000 square feet of roof will result in about 600 gallons of collected water,” explains the University of Florida.

 

Cisterns

A cistern is essentially a larger version of a rain barrel, and can be above, below, or partially submerged in the ground. If a 6’X6’X6’ cistern is used, it can hold up to 1,600 gallons. However, due to its size, there are stricter guidelines than that of a rain barrel. For example, cisterns must be watertight, made of non-reactive material, and have a good pre-filtration of rainwater, meaning roofs and gutters must be clean. 

 

Using Rainwater

Once rainwater has been collected and/or stored, it can be used for pretty much everything, except drinking. Rainwater is most widely used to irrigate gardens and landscapes. Some use a pump to disperse the water, others fill up a watering can and make a day of it. Other uses of stored rainwater include:

• Washing cars
• Fill ponds, fountains, & swimming pools
• Home toilets and washers (check local regulations)

Saving and storing rainwater can help reduce groundwater consumption (and your water bill). To learn more about the process or to plan a project, visit our Contact Us page to talk to a professional today.