The El Maximo Ranch Northern Everglades Water Quality Project is a regional water quality improvement effort intended to reduce nutrients flowing into Lake Okeechobee. The project diverts water from the Kissimmee River and Blanket Bay Slough for treatment on approximately 7,000 acres of privately-owned land and is expected to remove over two metric tons of total phosphorus and seven metric tons of total nitrogen per year. The project consists of four pump stations, 19 water control structures and more than 27 miles of berms.

“As an Osceola County Commissioner, I am proud to support the El Maximo Ranch Northern Everglades Water Quality Project, which plays a vital role in the future of our county,” said Osceola County Commissioner Cheryl Grieb. “Osceola sits at the headwaters of the Kissimmee River, and the quality of the water that flows from our lands impacts Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, and coastal estuaries. By preserving open space and agricultural lands, we not only improve water quality and promote groundwater recharge, but we also build resilience in our water management systems. Projects like this ensure that Osceola County remains a thriving, sustainable community with clean water, protected natural landscapes, and a strong local economy for generations to come.”

“The El Maximo Water Quality Project will protect our environment and Florida agriculture,” said Florida State Representative Erika Booth. “You can count on my continued support of these projects as a legislator. I look forward to working with Gov. DeSantis, the SFWMD, and my fellow state legislators to support innovative water quality solutions that benefit the people of Florida and House District 35.”

“This project is a big win for the Northern Everglades, Lake Okeechobee and the entire ecosystem of Central and Southern Florida,” said Charlette Roman, South Florida Water Management District Governing Board Member. “Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, the South Florida Water Management District continues to prioritize public-private partnerships as part of our effort to do more now for Florida’s environment. We continue to use every tool in our toolbox to expedite progress. Thank you, Garcia Land Management, LLC for providing important water storage and treatment north of Lake Okeechobee to help protect our water resources and the environment.”

“It’s a privilege to be here today to celebrate the El Maximo Ranch Restoration Project, a prime example of how agriculture and conservation can work hand in hand,” said Steve Smith, Chief of Field Services in the Office of Agricultural Water Policy for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “Under the leadership of Commissioner Wilton Simpson, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) is committed to supporting initiatives like this that help protect our natural resources while strengthening Florida’s agricultural economy. By collaborating with Garcia Farms, the South Florida Water Management District, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, we are demonstrating how agriculture plays a critical role in preserving the environment and ensuring a sustainable future for our state.”

“This project defines what a public-private partnership should look like, and I am proud to be a part of this team,” said Joshua Kellam, President of the Garcia Companies. “Garcia has successfully orchestrated a large scale environmental restoration project that will create long term benefits for our waterways as well as wildlife habitats. We look forward to the future and are poised to be a leader and provider for similar projects throughout the state of Florida.”

The South Florida Water Management District is committed to proactive regional water management through several operational Dispersed Water Management Projects, including the Brighton Valley Dispersed Water Storage and Management Project, Bluefield Grove Water Storage Farm, Scott Water Storage Farm, ALJO Four Corners Rapid Infiltration Project, and the Doc Partin Ranch Project. These projects use private lands for water storage, helping to improve water quality and enhance plant and wildlife habitats.

Since 2019, the District has celebrated 75 ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and major milestones on Everglades restoration and resiliency projects across Central and Southern Florida.

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During the holidays, water plays a role in everything from food preparation to the cleanup process. Here’s how to incorporate water conservation into your holiday preparations:

Defrost frozen foods in the refrigerator or the microwave instead of running hot water over them.
Rinse vegetables and fruits in a sink or pan filled with water instead of under running water. This water can then be reused to water houseplants. A running faucet can use up to 4 gallons per minute.

When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water and fill the rinsing sink one-third to one-half full. Avoid letting the water run continuously in the rinsing sink.

Select the proper size pans for cooking. Large pans require more cooking water than may be necessary.

Scrape food scraps into the garbage can or a composting bin, rather than rinsing them into the sink’s garbage disposal. A garbage disposal uses up to 4.5 gallons of water per minute.

Run your dishwasher only when you have a full load. Dishwashers use between 7 and 12 gallons per load.

For more water conservation tips, please visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/Conservation.

The post Six Easy Ways to Save Water and Money During the Holidays appeared first on Positively Osceola.

The time change is a good time to make sure irrigation system timers are set correctly to ensure that the systems operate consistently with year-round water conservation measures.

Osceola County is on year-round water conservation measures, with lawn watering limited to twice-per-week.

Know and follow your local watering restrictions, but don’t water just because it’s your day. Irrigate your lawn when it shows signs of stress from lack of water.

Pay attention to signs of stressed grass:

• Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of your yard.
• Grass blades appear blue-gray.
• Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.

For additional information about water conservation, please visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/Conservation.

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