BY KATHERINE SQUITIERI
Q: What is Water 101?
A: Water 101 is a Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) initiated campaign to connect homeowners with helpful water conservation and water quality tips and resources. The campaign encompasses two avenues of information that can be found on the Water 101 for Homeowners webpage or the Water 101 for Communities webpage.
Q: What resources are available for homeowners through the Water 101 campaign?
A: Residents can visit the Water 101 for Homeowners webpage to access a one-stop shop of tips and educational resources that can help reduce at-home water use and protect nearby waterways. This includes information about the basics of irrigation, local water restrictions and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ as well as instructional videos and an overview on stormwater ponds. Homeowners can also sign up for District newsletters via the webpage or learn where to follow along on social media for more information.
Q: What is the Water 101 for Communities webpage?
A: The Water 101 for Communities webpage provides resources to help communities lead by example, reducing their water use and encouraging residents to do the same. It includes educational materials that can be downloaded and easily shared in newsletters, websites and other community platforms. In addition to the website, the District has created a Water 101 for Communities Facebook group that will provide up-to-date information on water conservation classes, water restriction reminders and helpful resources to share with community residents.
Q: What are the current watering restrictions?
A: All residents throughout the District’s region, including those on private wells, should follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions. Watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties less than one acre in size may only use one of these windows. A full list of restrictions is provided on WaterMatters.org/Restrictions
Q: Why is protecting our water resources so important?
A: The District received below-average rainfall during its summer rainy season and currently has a 13.7-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. In addition, water levels in the District’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline and many are severely abnormal. Moreover, public water supplies are extremely low for this time of year. Water is a limited resource in Florida that we all play a role in protecting, which makes it important to understand your personal impact. The District encourages everyone to do their part in protecting and conserving our shared water resources. To learn more, visit WaterMatters.org/Water101.
Katherine Squitieri
Lead Conservation Education Coordinator
Southwest Florida Water Management District
As lead conservation education coordinator, Katherine manages the District’s youth education program and assists in water conservation outreach efforts. Katherine holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies concentrating in Environmental Education and Communication from Green Mountain College. She also holds a master’s degree in Global Sustainability concentrating on water sustainability from the University of South Florida.
