Residential Outdoor Programs

One of the most important ways we can ensure an adequate water supply for today and in the future is through conservation, the efficient and effective use of water.

Floridians use more than 50% of their water supply outdoors, mostly for landscape irrigation. Automatic inground irrigation systems have become a common method for watering our lawns. Unfortunately, many of these irrigation systems are inefficient. Sometimes as much as half of the water delivered through the systems doesn’t benefit the intended plants.

Program Links:

Rain Barrels

Three times a year, Orange County Utilities hosts composting and rain barrel clinics in partnership with Orange County Cooperative Extension Services and the Orange County Environmental Protection Division. To learn more about these free clinics, click here.

Florida Friendly Landscape Workshops

“Florida Friendly” landscapes save water if correct plants and watering techniques are used. Orange County Utilities sponsors these workshops throughout the year at various locations. To learn more about Florida Friendly Landscape Workshops, click here.

Mobile Irrigation Lab Evaluation

If you are a homeowner with an inground irrigation system and are using more than 15,000 gallons of water per month, chances are that your sprinkler system may need some repair.To learn more about Mobile Irrigation Lab Evaluation, click here.

Knowing Your Lawn

Many people in Central Florida overwater their lawns believing they are helping the plants cope with Florida’s high temperatures. To learn more about Knowing Your Lawn, click here.

Smart Technology

The convenience of inground, automatic irrigation systems has resulted in an increase in water demand, overwatering of the landscape, and faster consumption of the groundwater than the natural environment can replenish. To learn more about Smart Technology, click here.
 
 
  • Never water your lawn or landscaping between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. During this time, most of the water is lost to evaporation.
  • Florida’s normal rains are usually sufficient for plants’ needs.
  • Check your pool for leaks!
  • Adjust your lawnmower to cut only a third of the grass blades during each cut.  Longer grass holds soil moisture and promotes deeper root growth.