Water Conservation

Water conservation is the most cost-effective and environmentally sound way to reduce our demand for water. Water conservation is a necessary component to achieve a more sustainable future and is not just for times of water shortage. Sound water use practices reduce the amount of stress that we place on our resources, both by limiting water withdrawals and by decreasing wastewater discharges.

A changing climate means that temperatures will rise and result in an increased demand for water. Heat causes water to evaporate more quickly. Even if higher temperatures do not necessarily correlate with decreased rainfall, more of the water that does fall evaporates into the atmosphere rather than providing sustenance for crops. Hotter temperatures also diminish the amount of water available in lakes, river, and other sources of fresh water. Conserving water enables us to use our existing supply of water more efficientl

Conservation Tips

What You Can Do?

Small changes in everyday activities can add up to huge water savings. Here are some everyday water conservation tips:

Home Usage

Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full and you could save 1000 gallons a month.
We are more likely to notice leaky faucets indoors but don’t forget to check outdoor faucets, pipes, and hoses for leaks and address them quickly.
Grab a wrench and fix that leaky faucet. It is simple, inexpensive, and can save 140 gallons a week.
Soak your pots and pans instead of letting the water run while you scrape them clean.
Collect the water you use for rinsing produce and reuse it to water houseplants.
Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. It can save you 2,000 gallons a year.

Do one thing each day that will save water. Even if savings are small, every drop counts.

Outdoors

Next time you add or replace a flower or shrub, choose a low water use plant and save up to 550 gallons each year.
Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save up to 80 gallons of water every time.
Use a hose nozzle and turn off the water while you wash your car to save more than 100 gallons.
Choose a water-efficient drip irrigation system for trees, shrubs, and flowers. Watering at the roots is very effective.

Collecting rainwater in a rain barrel is a great way to capture water to use for irrigating landscaping and potted plants.

Learn more:

Miami-Dade County Water Conservation programs and rebates
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Water Sense Program

Rain Barrels

Rainwater harvesting is not usually top of mind for the typical city-dweller considering freshwater is easily available from your nearest faucet. However, rain collection provides an alternate source of freshwater, promotes sustainable living, and even saves money. This practice, which dates back thousands of years, is easy to implement in Miami Beach because we receive approximately 57 inches of rain annually. That’s over 2 billion gallons of water we could be collecting per year!* A properly designed rainwater harvesting system can save the average homeowner up to 1,300 gallons of water.

Rain barrels are the go-to solution because they are an inexpensive option for capturing stormwater runoff that would otherwise end up in our streets. An average rain barrel ranges in size from about 3 gallons to 75 gallons and costs between $50 to $150. The basic rain barrel design includes an entry hole to capture the water and a spigot that allows you to attach a hose for watering your plants or your lawn. However, you can purchase a wide range of colors, shapes, and designs at your local gardening store or build your own to meet your needs. The key is to keep your barrel properly covered to avoid attracting pests!

Interested? Miami-Dade County offers free rain barrel workshops throughout the greater Miami area for all county residents. At these workshops, the County has rain barrels and their associated construction materials available for purchase for only $40. If you prefer not to leave Miami Beach, don’t worry – we will be hosting a rain barrel workshop for our residents in April to celebrate Earth Month. Check our events page in the future!

*United States Geological Services – Rainfall Calculator

Tap Water Report

The annual water quality report is designed to inform you about the excellent water the City of Miami Beach delivers to you every day. The City's number one goal is to provide you and your family with a safe and dependable supply of drinking water.

The City of Miami Beach purchases its drinking water from the Miami-Dade Water & Sewer Department (WASD) as a wholesale customer and then supplies it to its residents and visitors through the distribution system. WASD manages the water chemistry and tests for biological, organic, and inorganic contaminants. Biological examination and chemistry tests are continuously ongoing. Organic and inorganic testing is performed annually and the results are provided to the City for review. All testing shows the water received from WASD meets or exceeds federal and state drinking water standards.

The City employs professionally licensed water treatment operators, distribution system operators, and engineers. Collaboratively this team has developed a proactive water quality sampling and monitoring plan and best management practices exceeding federal and state minimum requirements. The highlights of the plan include daily, monthly, yearly, and three-year interval testing and operating protocols to protect the consumers.

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