Community Water-Wise Awards

It may be hard to believe, but you can save water and still maintain a beautiful landscape. By incorporating some Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ strategies, you can save significant money on your water bill and make your property the envy of everyone, even during the dry season! By using less fertilizer and pesticides and minimizing stormwater runoff, you'll also do your part to help protect the environment.
Tampa Bay Water, its Member Governments and the UF IFAS Florida Yards and Neighborhoods Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ program are sponsoring the 13th Annual Community Water-Wise Awards.

Water-wise yards using Florida-friendly landscaping™ do more than just save water. Following are the top five reasons you should incorporate a Florida-friendly landscape:

1. You'll save money!
The reduced need for irrigation can save a homeowner up to $80 each month. That’s nearly $1,000 a year.

2. You'll save time!
Florida-friendly landscapes are better adapted to our climate and conditions, so they require less maintenance.

3. You’ll save your yard!
A water-wise landscape uses Florida-friendly plants and landscaping techniques to minimize irrigation needs, even during dry season.

4. You'll do your part to save the environment!
Not only do these landscapes help conserve our water supply, but they also reduce the need for harmful chemicals, minimize storm-water runoff, provide natural wildlife habitat and reduce invasive species.

5. You'll make your neighbors green with envy!
A water-wise yard using Florida-friendly landscaping™ looks great, adds curb appeal and increases the overall value of your home!

The Community Water-Wise Awards are categorized to recognize individuals and businesses that create water-efficient, aesthetically pleasing landscapes. Awards will be presented during City and County Commission meetings held by Tampa Bay Water’s Member Governments- Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties and the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa.

If you are interested in learning more about the awards program or would like to submit an entry please visit http://www.tampabaywaterwise.org/ . Deadline for entries is June 30, 2011.