Agenda Item Name:
Title
Presentation on Proposed Changes to Codes Related to Landscape Irrigation and Water Conservation
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Presenter:
Stacie Greco, 352-264-6829
Description:
The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (EPD) is proposing to edit three existing articles and definitions to improve water conservation and water quality protection efforts. Staff are also requesting a letter from the Board regarding issues with landscape irrigation wells.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Listen to staff presentation and authorize advertisement of an adoption hearing. Approve Chair Letter on landscape irrigation wells.
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Prior Board Motions:
During the 4/26/22 Regular Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) meeting, EPD staff provided an update on our water conservation programs. A unanimous motion was passed requesting staff to bring back the Irrigation Design Code with improvements.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Staff are proposing the creation of the Alachua County Water Conservation Fund, which is to be supervised and used by EPD for water conservation and resilient landscaping projects and programs to the extent money is available in the fund. The fund shall consist of all money recovered by the county in an action against any person who is found in violation of these articles.
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
Environment
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Background:
Public Supply is the largest water use in Alachua County and is largely driven by residential water use. Landscape irrigation accounts for almost 60% of residential water use and is the main focus of EPD's current educational and regulatory efforts. The 2015 Landscape Irrigation Design Code (Chapter 77 Article VI) created an approval and inspection process for all new permanent landscape irrigation within unincorporated Alachua County. This code was expanded to include the municipalities in 2019 and a requirement for smart irrigation controllers or soil...
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