Miami-Dade County recognizes Smart Irrigation Month and encourages residents to conserve water outdoors

July is Smart Irrigation Month, and the Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department (WASD) is encouraging residents and businesses to adopt water-efficient irrigation practices that help conserve water, reduce utility costs, and support the long-term sustainability of the County's water resources.

Outdoor irrigation accounts for a significant portion of residential water use. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the average American household uses approximately 30 percent of its water outdoors, with that figure reaching as high as 70 percent in some regions. Experts estimate that as much as half of the water used for landscape irrigation is lost due to evaporation, wind, or overwatering.

“Conservation remains one of the most effective ways we can protect our water resources,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “By making small adjustments to how and when we irrigate our landscapes and by avoiding the use of fertilizers during the rainy season, residents can help protect Biscayne Bay while helping to reduce water waste and supporting a more sustainable future for our community.”

To support the health of Biscayne Bay, Miami-Dade County enacted fertilizer regulations that prohibit the use of certain fertilizers from May 15 to October 31. Applying fertilizers during the rainy season or while watering the lawn increases the chances of nutrients being washed away into our local waterways and our Bay.

To promote efficient outdoor water use, the County offers free irrigation evaluations through its Landscape Irrigation Rebate Program. The evaluations provide recommendations to improve irrigation system efficiency and identify opportunities to reduce water consumption. WASD offers qualified single-family homeowners rebates of up to $500 annually for up to five years after implementing recommended improvements, while eligible large-property owners, including homeowner associations, hotels, and commercial properties, may receive rebates of up to $2,850 per property.

“In 2025 alone, customers participating in our conservation rebate programs helped save more than 116,000 gallons of water per day,” said WASD Director Jay J. Fink, P.E. “These results demonstrate the impact that residents and businesses can have when they take advantage of available conservation programs and make water efficiency a priority.”

As part of its Comprehensive Conservation Program, WASD also encourages residents to follow Miami-Dade County's landscape irrigation schedule and take advantage of indoor conservation programs, including rebates for high-efficiency toilets and showerheads.

Residents interested in learning more about water conservation can participate in upcoming virtual workshops focused on rainwater harvesting and other sustainable water-use practices. Participants who complete a workshop, purchase a qualifying rain barrel, and meet program requirements may be eligible for a rebate through WASD's Rain Barrel Rebate Program.

WASD’s conservation program

The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department’s Comprehensive Conservation Program includes a variety of initiatives designed to promote water efficiency among residents, businesses, and visitors. Established in 2007, the program features indoor and outdoor rebate initiatives, a free showerhead exchange program, leak detection tools, legislative efforts, and ongoing education and outreach. Based on these efforts and other department initiatives, water demand has declined—even as the population has increased—by approximately nine million gallons per day over the past 18 years. During that time, average per capita water use has reduced by 14 gallons per day, decreasing from 153 to 139 gallons per day.

The Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department remains committed to providing high-quality, reliable water and wastewater services while promoting responsible water use throughout the community. For more information about WASD's conservation programs and available rebates, please visit the WASD website.