The Miami-Dade County Water Use Efficiency Plan addresses the efficient use of water by industrial, commercial and institutional facilities. Included in the plan is a Green Restaurant and Lodging Program. The aim is to evaluate and reduce water use through promotional programs and by providing water fixtures that will lower consumption. Just one participating location can reduce annual water use by thousands of gallons.

Miami-Dade Green Restaurant Project

It is estimated that the average restaurant uses 5,800 gallons per day of water, with approximately 50 percent of that used in the kitchen. The Miami-Dade Green Restaurant Project provides participating restaurants with a free pre-rinse fan jet spray valve to use in their dishwashing process, which can reduce water use in half compared to most current pre-rinse spray valves.

Additionally, the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) will provide participating restaurants with the option to display informative material for their tables, doors or menus that will include the statement, "Water will be served upon request."

WASD will partner with the Miami-Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) to inform area restaurants about the project. Restaurants now receive a Green Restaurant Project invitation letter  included in DERM's annual mailing for permit renewals.

• View the list of participating Miami-Dade County restaurants

Lodging

This will be implemented in partnership with the FDEP Green Lodging Program and will be similar in part to the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Water Conservation Hotel and Motel Program.

The program will include a water audit, and retrofit of water fixtures with ultra-low volume models, and could potentially result in a linens and towels reuse program where bed linens and towels are washed every third day of a guest's stay rather than daily, unless requested otherwise by guests.

• View the list of participating Miami-Dade County hotels