News Releases

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marq Caughell
mcaughell@tampabaywater.org
Office: 727-791-2315

CLEARWATER, Fla. (April 4, 2019) – If your landscape is both eye-catching and water-efficient, now is the time to enter the 2019 Tampa Bay Community Water-Wise Awards. Up for grabs are a custom-made, mosaic landscape stepping stone, recognition by local elected officials and neighborhood bragging rights.

Getting your hands on the coveted award stone requires balancing Florida-friendly plants and landscape elements with attractive design and minimal maintenance, as well as using efficient irrigation techniques that reduce water use. To see if your landscape has what it takes to win, visit tampabaywaterwise.org to apply by June 30, 2019.

Tampa Bay Water, in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) County Extension Offices and Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program, is looking to recognize residents, local businesses and community organizations who are committed to conserving water resources and protecting the environment by using best practices to create attractive, water-efficient landscapes. All entries will be reviewed by representatives of the University of Florida IFAS County Extension, followed by on-site evaluations for landscapes that meet the core criteria.

“We engage our community through the Tampa Bay Community Water-Wise Awards program to encourage efficient use of our water resources and protect our drinking water sources from pollution,” said Dave Bracciano, demand management coordinator for Tampa Bay Water.

Water-Wise landscapes benefit the region because they use less water, require minimal maintenance and help protect the environment.

• Reduced Water Use: Choosing Florida-friendly plants suited to Florida’s natural environment require less water. Native and Florida-friendly plants thrive in the local environment and are typically drought tolerant.
• Minimal Maintenance: Water-Wise landscapes typically have less turf grass and use plants that require less upkeep. Plant the right plants in the right places and, once established, the landscape requires little maintenance.
• Protecting the Environment: Selecting pest-resistant plants, fertilizing appropriately and reducing stormwater runoff are all elements of Water-Wise landscapes that also protect the environment and drinking water sources.

About the Community Water-Wise Awards
The Tampa Bay Community Water-Wise Awards program is designed to recognize attractive, water-conserving landscapes in various water-use sectors (e.g., homes, businesses, industry and government). Moreover, the program seeks to identify actual examples of outstanding Florida-friendly, water-wise landscaping and to promote those principles within the community. To learn more, visit tampabaywaterwise.org

About Tampa Bay Water
Tampa Bay Water is the largest wholesale water supplier in Florida, providing high-quality drinking water to its members, who in turn, supply water to more than 2.5 million residents of the Tampa Bay area. Tampa Bay Water member governments include the cities of New Port Richey, St. Petersburg and Tampa, and the counties of Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas. To learn more, visit tampabaywater.org