Community Water-Wise Award Online Application

Application

To enter, try to accurately judge your landscape using the guidelines on this website. Check the items that apply to your landscape, then click on the submit button at the bottom of this application.

If you prefer, you can download and print the application out and mail it to the Extension Service in your county by May 31, 2008 by clicking this link: Community Water-Wise Application

Name:

Street Address:

City:

State: Zip:

What agency sends you your water bill?

Day Phone

E-mail Address

Please indicate the category of your landscape:

Resident/Homehowner	Builder
Multi-Family Property	School
Commercial	Other
Governmental Property

Please describe your landscape:

Upload Photograph of Landscape:

Employees of project sponsors are not eligible for the Community Water-Wise Awards.

Hillsborough County Extension
5339 County Road 579 • Seffner, FL 33584
(813)744-5519, Ext. 144
http://hillsborough_fyn.ifas.ufl.edu.

Pasco County Extension Service
36702 State Road 52 • Dade City, FL 33525
(352)521-4288 or (727)847-8177
http://pasco.ifas.ufl.edu

Pinellas County Extension Office
12175 125th Street North • Largo, FL 33774
(727)582-2124
http://coop.co.pinellas.fl.us/fyn/yard.html

Landscape Conservation Criteria

Check all items that apply to your landscape.

Retention of Existing Trees and Vegetation
Native plants are adapted to the site and usually do not need additional irrigation. Retaining or restoring natural areas provides habitat for wildlife and minimizes maintenance requirements

Drought-tolerant trees and plants are retained, protected and planted.
Self-mulching areas are located under trees.
Site is free of invasive, exotic plants (e.g., Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, Australian pine, Chinese tallow, air potato or carrotwood).

Landscape Design and Plant Selection

Plants that are appropriate for a site need less water and maintenance, and they minimize the need for fertilizers and pesticides.

There is minimal and/or practical use of grass (for play, entertainment, pets, etc.).
Plants selected are appropriate to site conditions (drainage, sun, shade, etc.).
Plants with similar maintenance and water requirements are grouped together in well-defined beds.
Two to three inches of organic mulch (e.g., shredded wood, leaves) exists throughout plant beds.
Alternative mulches like pine straw/bark, melaleuca, eucalyptus and/or recycled material are used instead of cypress.
Grass areas are functional and easy to irrigate and mow.
All strips of grass are at least 4' wide.
Landscape has overall aesthetic appeal and is free of debris and litter.

Stormwater Runoff Prevention
When rainfall is retained and used by plants on-site, the need for irrigation is minimized and pollution from stormwater runoff is reduced.

Swales, retention ponds, berms, terracing and other landscape features retain runoff on the property.
Roof runoff and gutter downspouts are directed onto mulched or planted areas.
Pervious materials such as mulch, wood decking, brick, gravel and stone are used for paths, walks, driveways or play areas.
Rain collection devices like rain barrels and cisterns are used.
There are no bare areas that may be subject to erosion.

Efficient Irrigation
Properly designed and installed irrigation systems use water more efficiently and save money. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure efficient operation. Seasonal watering schedules adjust to changing irrigation needs throughout the year.

Inspect your sprinkler system when areas of your yard show stress and when the seasons change (e.g., winter dormancy, summer rainfall). Even well-designed systems should be inspected at least four times each year for leaks, broken parts and proper adjustment, including controllers/timers and rain shut-off devices.

Which of the following best describes your approach to irrigation? (check one)

Landscape exists primarily on rainfall.
Landscape is watered only as needed once established.
Landscape is watered routinely according to water restrictions.

What type of system(s) do you use? (check all that apply to your irrigation system)

Hose-end sprinkler/hand watering.
Drip/low-volume/micro-irrigation (evaluate your system below)
Conventional in-ground system with sprays and/or rotors (evaluate your system below)

Drip/low-volume/micro-irrigation system evaluation (check all that apply)

The system irrigates landscape plants only, not grass.
A multiple-program time clock controls the system.
The time clock is set to prevent over-watering.
Emitters are working properly and directed correctly.
The irrigation controller is equipped with a functioning automatic rain shut-off device.

Conventional in-ground irrigation system evaluation (check all that apply)

Sprays and rotors are in separate zones.
There is uniform water application within each irrigation zone.
Time clock is set appropriately (sprays 15-20 minutes, rotors 45-60 minutes; correct day(s) and times as required by municipal restrictions).
There is minimal runoff and overspray (e.g., no watering of paved surfaces).
Spray patterns are not obstructed by plants or structures.
Irrigation system is properly calibrated to apply no more than 3/4" - 1" of water per application.
Sprays and rotor heads are working properly and directed correctly.

Please fill out the application form and click the submit button below on or before May 31, 2008 to be considered for the 2008 Community Water Wise Awards.