by Keeli Carlton

This year marks the 24-year anniversary since April was first established as Water Conservation Month in Florida. During that time, great strides have been made toward understanding the impacts of water efficiency and water conservation programs.

To recognize these efforts, the Florida Section American Water Works Association (FSAWWA) and Florida’s water management districts are once again asking local governments, water utilities, and other organizations to adopt a resolution or proclamation declaring “April as Water Conservation Month,” and then report this back to FSAWWA.

It’s important that your organization add a Water Conservation Month proclamation to the statewide list. Each year, FSAWWA works with the state governor and cabinet to proclaim “April as Water Conservation Month.” By adopting Water Conservation Month and adding your proclamation to the statewide list, you’re letting Florida’s elected officials know just how important water efficiency and water conservation practices are to local governments, water utilities, and other organizations in Florida.

The FSAWWA wants to have utilities and other groups throughout the state adopt this proclamation to get your efforts in water conservation recognized!

To add your proclamation to the statewide list of entities proclaiming Water Conservation Month this year, please email your proclamation and its adoption date to Jenny Arguello at jenny@fsawwa.org.

The due date for the proclamations is April 15, 2022.

Your continued support of water conservation and water use efficiency in Florida through participation in this 24nd annual event is appreciated!

Proclamation

(Name of county/city entity)

(Location)

WHEREAS, water is a basic and essential need of every living creature; and

WHEREAS, The State of Florida, Water Management Districts and (your name) are working together to increase awareness about the importance of water conservation; and

WHEREAS, (your city or county name) and the State of Florida have designated April, typically a dry month when water demands are most acute, Florida’s Water Conservation Month, to educate citizens about how they can help save Florida’s precious water resources; and

WHEREAS, (your name) has always encouraged and supported water conservation, through various educational programs and special events; and

WHEREAS, every business, industry, school, and citizen can make a difference when it comes to conserving water; and

WHEREAS, every business, industry, school, and citizen can help by saving water and thus promote a healthy economy and community; and

NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved that by virtue of the authority vested in me as (chairman, mayor, etc.) of (your city or county name) and (commissioners or councilmembers, etc.) do hereby proclaim the month of April as

Water Conservation Month

(your city or county name), Florida is calling upon each citizen and business to help protect our precious resource by practicing water saving measures and becoming more aware of the need to save water.

Water Conservation Awards for Excellence

This annual awards program of the FSAWWA Water Use Efficiency Division (WUED) recognizes innovative and outstanding achievements in water efficiency throughout Florida.

Entry forms will be posted at www.fsawwa.org in July 2022.

Keeli Carlton is chair of the FSAWWA Water Use Efficiency Division.