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It's How You Use The Water

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By BETSY MCGILL

Special to the Tribune

Published: January 31, 2009

The Tampa Tribune Editorial Board recently encouraged residents to conserve water by following the Southwest Florida Water Management District's suggestion to skip a week of lawn irrigation during the cooler winter months. ("Drought, Reservoir Woes Revive Overpumping Threat," Our Opinion, Jan. 16).

Because educating residents and businesses in conservation tactics is one of the top priorities of the Florida Sod Growers Cooperative, we also support the district's initiative, as it emphasizes the critical role of homeowners and businesses in using the state's water resources wisely.

However, the idea that water is too valuable to use on turf ignores the many well-documented environmental benefits that turfgrass provides, including cooling the environment, reducing carbon emissions, controlling erosion and stormwater runoff, and purifying water that passes through its root zone.

One of the most important steps in maintaining healthy turf is to avoid overwatering.

Irrigation systems should be checked regularly to be sure they are working properly, and they must be used correctly. Reset automatic timers at least seasonally and consider turning them off during the rainy months, irrigating only as needed.

Homeowners can save even more water and lower their monthly utility bills by updating older systems and adding soil-moisture sensors.

In short, it's not just what you plant; it's how you use the water.

Responsible use of water, regardless of which plant and turf varieties residents choose for their landscapes, is a contribution that everyone can make to a sustainable Florida.

Betsy McGill is executive director of the Florida Sod Growers Cooperative

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