More than 12 billion gallons have been saved
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
The Florida Department of Agriculture is taking unique measures to help the state’s agriculture industry save billions of gallons of water.
The state uses the Mobile Irrigation Lab program to conduct free irrigation system evaluations and provides on-site education so farmers and producers can make the most of their irrigation systems.
To date, more than 12 billion gallons of water has been saved in the last year – that’s enough to fill nearly 18,000 Olympic sized swimming pools.
“Florida agriculture is increasing water conservation and productivity with the help of the Mobile Irrigation Lab program's modern technology and techniques,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Only through increased efficiency and conservation can the needs of Florida's diverse water users be met — and Florida agriculture is doing its part.”
The water conservation measures could be more important than ever as studies done by the Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection estimate there could be a 1.3 billion gallon per day shortfall of water by 2030.
The services are free of charge and involve site-specific experts analyzing irrigation systems and educating property owners on how to use water more efficiently.
Along with the mobile labs, there are water quality improvement strategies available through Best Management Practices. Currently more than 9 million acres of Florida farmlands are part of BMP.
Join the conversation and tell us your thoughts about the Mobile Irrigation Lab program. Is it something you would take part in if given the chance? If you’re a farmer from Florida, did you take part in the program? What was the experience like?