Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Water Conservation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Orange County proclaims July 2025 Smart Irrigation Month; utilities outline four simple steps to save water
Summary
Mayor Jerry O'Demings proclaimed July 2025 Smart Irrigation Month. Orange County Environmental Programs Administrator Matt Blowers described four practices — watch the weather, check systems, use rain sensors, and avoid overwatering — and said following them saves an average of 28,000 gallons per household annually.
Mayor Jerry O'Demings and the Orange County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed July 2025 as Smart Irrigation Month and heard a brief presentation on simple irrigation practices that the county said will conserve water and reduce runoff.
Matt Blowers, Orange County Environmental Programs Administrator, accepted the proclamation on behalf of county utilities and outlined four recommended practices: watch the weather and set rain delays when rain is predicted; inspect irrigation systems monthly for leaks and overspray; test and replace rain sensors (they typically remain effective three to five years); and "don't overwater" — the county recommended 30 minutes for rotor zones and 15 minutes for spray zones.
Blowers said the county provides smart irrigation timers and technology at no cost to customers who complete the Water Wise Neighbor program and offers free timer resets and irrigation consultations. He told the board, "Practicing just these 4 simple practices will save on average, for the average customer, 28,000 gallons per year."
The proclamation text noted that Orange County encourages residential, commercial, recreational and institutional water users to adopt smart irrigation practices and technologies that use local weather forecasting to suspend preprogrammed irrigation when substantial rain is predicted.
What’s next: The county said it will continue outreach and technical assistance through its utilities programs and the Water Wise Neighbor classes to encourage adoption of smart controllers, rain sensors and regular system checks.
