UpgradeUpgrade to water efficient toilets and shower heads
Older toilets use as much as 6 gallons per flush. Newer, EPA WaterSense-certified toilets use just 1.28 to 1.6 gallons of water. Dual-flush toilets use even less water. |
IrrigationMake wise choices with Irrigation plans
Check Out Suwanne River Water Management's tips for irrigation! Click Here!: |
Stop LeaksFix leaky toilets, faucets and pipes
A slow drip from a leaking faucet can waste as much as 20 gallons of water a day. A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons a day. |
ImplementImplement timers and rain sensors into your irrigation system
Consider investing in weather-based irrigation controllers that adjust to real weather conditions and provide water only when needed. |
Turn off the TapTurn off the water while you brush your teeth and while lathering your hands.
Faucets run at about 2 gallons of water a minute. Turn off the tap while you brush your teeth, and you can save hundreds of gallons a month. |
Avoid & SaveAvoid playing with hoses or sprinklers, it is extremely wasteful of water.
By not doing this you will cut down on the amount of water wasted immensely |
Reuse or RefillDesignate one glass for your drinking water each day, or refill a water bottle.
By doing this you will cut down the number of glasses you have to wash thus saving you way more water |
Encourage/ShareShare/encourage family & friends too practice these water saving tips.
By bringing water usage to the attention of others you will not only help them save water but help everyone because water is a valuable resource we all must share. |
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Be Mindful
One of the ways to protect the wildlife of Ichetucknee is to be aware and courteous of them.
This location is not only a wonderful spot to visit it is also a home for many indigenous plants and animals. Ways to protect: Research By doing basic research of the wildlife located in the Ichetucknee you will have better knowledge of how to handle/deal with them if your paths cross. Respect Respect is a very important part in protecting the wildlife. By Not disturbing the animals or destroying the plants Ichetucknee will continue to be a good home. Represent By following these procedures of knowing about, and respecting our wildlife. You are protecting, and representing them so that other visitors may know how treat the Ichetucknee. |
Spread Knowledge
The most effective way of protecting Ichetucknee's wildlife is to be active and spread the word. By picking up stray garbage, and advocating to people to not litter in the Ichetucknee spring we can truly Protect our Wildlife.
How to help: Speak up By speaking up and voicing your opinion to others you are bringing more awareness and concern to this issue. Clean up Participate in or hold your own local trash clean-up to help protect the Ichetucknee and different species of wildlife that live there Get involved Write letters to elected officials and government agencies urging them to support policies that will protect the Ichetucknee and the native wildlife. |
Don't Litter
Knowing that the Ichetucknee is also a home for countless wildlife DON'T treat it as your personal dumpster. Throwing garbage in the Ichetucknee is not only harmful to the wildlife it also decreases the quality of the spring water.
What to do: Reduce By reducing the amount of disposable goods you consume, you are preserving our natural resources and creating less waste in the environment. Reuse Don’t throw it away if it still has a use! Reuse empty water bottles, Plastic cups, etc. to avoid creating more waste, and using up more natural resources. Recycle Recycle things like water bottles, soda cans, and paper plates can help avoid them being found floating in the Ichetucknee or being stuck inside the home of an animal. |
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Don't Over-fertilize
While fertilizers & pesticides do keep our yards looking healthy and vermin free. There overuse has lead to the decline in the quality of our water supply.
How to Avoid: Consider Florida Friendly Landscaping to reduce the need for fertilizer. Use slow release fertilizer & follow directions on the packaging. Avoid applying fertilizer and pesticides within 10 feet of bodies of water, sinkholes, or drainage ditches, especially if heavy rain is on the way. |
Discard Chemicals Properly
Household waste includes paints, vehicle fluids, cleaning chemicals, medicine and more! If improperly disposed of, these can seep through the soil and into our drinking water and springs.
What to do: Properly labeled household toxic wastes may be disposed of properly by contacting the Columbia County Solid Waste Facility at 386-752-6050 Check for Toxic Roundup Dates! |
Check Your Septic Tank
While septic tanks do a good job of neutralizing harmful bacteria and viruses from human waste, they are not designed to remove organic nutrients that are harmful to springs.
How to help: Conserving water the less water used means is less waste water that your septic system will have to process Inspect Your Pump & Septic Tank! Florida Department of Health advises to inspect your pump and septic tank every four to five years for sludge build-up. Fix Your Leaks! |