Hardee County proclaims April 2026 Water Conservation Month

The Board of County Commissioners of Hardee County on April 2 unanimously approved a proclamation declaring April 2026 Water Conservation Month following a presentation from Amanda Simmett of the Southwest Florida Water Management District.

—Amanda Simmett, Government Affairs Regional Manager at the Southwest Florida Water Management District, asked the board to "declare the month of April Water Conservation Month" and read a proclamation that urged residents and businesses to evaluate irrigation systems and adopt water-saving measures. "By prioritizing water conservation, we can ensure a future where clean, accessible water is available to our children and grandchildren and people around the globe," Simmett told the board.

Commissioners framed the proclamation in the context of current dry conditions in the county. Committee member (S7) noted the local burn ban and drought, and Committee member (S3) said the issue affects both private well users and public systems in rural areas. Chair (S1) thanked the presenter and asked for a motion. Committee member (S7) moved to approve the proclamation declaring April 2026 as Water Conservation Month in Hardee County; a second was made and the board voted 4-0 to adopt the proclamation.

The proclamation text the board read into the record emphasized irrigation-system evaluations as a special focus for the county's 28th year observing Water Conservation Month and encouraged public education and conservation actions across businesses, schools and households. The county did not specify new funding or regulatory changes during the meeting; the action recorded was the formal proclamation and encouragement of water-saving practices.