{"id":133,"date":"2021-08-16T18:03:48","date_gmt":"2021-08-16T18:03:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/live-tampa-bay-water.pantheonsite.io\/?page_id=133"},"modified":"2025-07-10T16:22:49","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T20:22:49","slug":"outdoor","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.tampabaywater.org\/save-water-outside-my-business","title":{"rendered":"Outdoor Water Conservation & Efficiency for Businesses"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Outdoor Water Conservation & Efficiency for Businesses<\/h1><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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One of the best water-wise investments a facility owner can make is in a well-designed, properly functioning irrigation system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recognizing the vital role that proper irrigation plays in water efficiency, several state agencies have joined forces with the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association and Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects to create\u00a0Landscape Irrigation and Florida Friendly Design Standards<\/a>. This describes best practices that emphasize low-impact landscape design and irrigation, such as incorporating existing, native trees and vegetation into the landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HERE ARE SEVERAL TIPS ON HOW BUSINESSES CAN INCREASE WATER EFFICIENCY OUTDOORS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Outdoor Efficiency Tip<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Update landscaping with drought-tolerant, native plants<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Outdoor Efficiency Tip<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Group plants with similar soil, water and lighting needs together and water accordingly \u2013 if you have to water at all<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Outdoor Efficiency Tip<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Use turf only for specific functions like pedestrian areas, playgrounds, pet walks, and storm water runoff<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Outdoor Efficiency Tip<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure that any water features recycle the water<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Outdoor Efficiency Tip<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep three to four inches of organic mulch over the roots of trees and shrubs to reduce water loss<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Outdoor Efficiency Tip<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Update swimming pool maintenance procedures<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Local governments are required to incorporate these standards into their landscape irrigation and water-friendly ordinances. Check local ordinances before developing or renovating a site.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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