15,000 Gallons: The Savings Potential of One Smart Controller

Residents in Tarpon Springs and the surrounding area remain under a Modified Phase III Water Shortage, a status maintained by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. As the holiday season approaches, district officials are asking residents to adjust their daily habits to reduce consumption during a period of increased usage.

Katherine Squitieri, the district's lead conservation education coordinator, outlined specific steps for households. She noted that a running faucet uses approximately 2 gallons of water per minute. To reduce this, she advised defrosting frozen foods in the refrigerator or microwave rather than under hot water. She also suggested rinsing produce in a sink or pan filled with water, noting that the water can be reused for houseplants.

During cleanup after holiday gatherings, Squitieri recommended filling one sink with soapy water and only one-third to one-half filling the rinsing sink. She cautioned against letting water run continuously. For dishwasher users, she advised running the machine only when fully loaded, as standard dishwashers can consume 5 gallons of water or more per load.

Cooking habits also impact water usage. Squitieri advised using pans that match the amount of food being prepared, as large pans require more water. She suggested scraping food scraps into the garbage or a composting bin instead of rinsing them into the garbage disposal, which uses about 2 gallons of water per minute.

Homeowners traveling for the holidays should check for indoor and outdoor leaks before leaving. Those with permanent in-ground irrigation systems should ensure their controllers follow local water restrictions or are turned off if the lawn does not need water. Squitieri highlighted that a WaterSense-labeled smart irrigation controller can save an average home up to 15,000 gallons of water a year.

The district encourages residents to look for WaterSense or ENERGY STAR-labeled products when selecting gifts. These items help families save water and money on utility bills beyond the holiday season. Additional tips are available on the district's website at WaterMatters.org/Water101.

Squitieri manages the district's youth education program and assists in water conservation outreach. Her guidance aims to help residents maintain awareness of their water usage during the busy holiday period.