WATERING EFFICIENTLY IN THE VILLAGES
Extension Education
James Davis
County Extension Director
UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County
BUSHNELL
Abstract
Florida is ranked second in the nation for water use. Florida also has one of the fastest growing retirement communities in the United States, The Villages. The Villages is an expanding retirement community of 65,000 people located in Sumter County. In 2008, the U.S. Census bureau listed The Villages as the fastest growing micropolitan area in the United States. Research has shown that the average resident uses about 150 gallons of water a day, half of that water going directly into the landscape. Due to this rapid rise in population and development, water conservation has taken a center stage in The Villages. Inefficient watering wastes water and contribute to pollution. Excess water can carry harmful pollutants such as pesticides, oils and grass clippings into our rivers, lakes and other water bodies. The objective of this project was to reduce water use in the landscape for new residents moving to The Villages. This will be achieved by demonstrating and educating new residents on how to operate their irrigation controller, proper irrigation maintenance and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™. Visual media aids, hands-on demonstrations of irrigation clocks and irrigation components were incorporated in this project. Pre and post tests were distributed to attending residents to examine behavior change. After attending the workshops, 80% of new Village residents will incorporate proper water saving practices in their landscape to water more efficiently.
Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
A poster file has not been provided
Authors: J.E. Davis
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Davis, J. Extension Agent I, UF/IFAS Sumter County Extension, Florida, 33513