Florida Water Star
The Water Star Certification program was created by St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). It encompasses efficient and effective irrigation, interior plumbing, and Florida friendly landscaping.
This program has been mandated for all new developments in Osceola County. Other counties and cities such as Orange County, Apopka, Mt. Dora, and Oviedo are considering doing the same.
Achievement of Water Star certification provides 5 points toward the Florida Green Building Coalition Home Certification.
Several point selections such as low-flow showerheads, ENERGY STAR appliances, and low-volume toilets are listed on the checklists for FGBC, NAHB, and Water Star. In other words, selection of these items will provide points toward more than one certification.
Why bother with this certification?
* GREATLY IMPROVED IRRIGATION INEFFICIENCIES: The average central Floridian uses 150 gallons of water per day. That is about twice as much as the national average and 50% of that goes into our yards. Our current irrigation systems are on average only about 40% efficient. A properly designed system can reduce irrigation water use by approximately 40% taking a huge chunk out of the homeowner’s water bill.
But more importantly participation in this program will allow builders to continue to build. We are running out of water in our area and it is going to take participation from all of us to get a grip on the situation. Irrigation is the main culprit. A combination of upgrading existing inefficient systems to these standards with installation of Water Star standard systems in new construction will make a huge contribution to our dilemma.
We can make an even greater difference by not installing an irrigation system. Through selection of drought tolerant turf such as Bermuda, Bahia, or Zoysia and proper drought tolerant plants, believe it or not, no permanent irrigation system is necessary. I’ve worked on 8 projects so far where no irrigation system was installed. Watering is necessary initially until the turf and plants are established.
No irrigation system provides 10 points toward FGBC green home certification and 105 points (the maximum available) toward the irrigation section of the Water Star certification.
* REDUCES INTERIOR WATER USAGE: Using low-flush commodes (1.28 gallons per flush or less) can save an average family of four, 3200 gallons per year per fixture. An even greater savings (7,000 to 10,000 gallons per fixture per year) is possible through selecting dual-flush commodes. These fixtures use only 0.8 or 0.9 gpf for liquids and the standard 1.6 gpf for solids. These fixtures save more water because we flush liquid much more often than we flush solids.
These low-flush commodes will pay for themselves over time and continue thereafter to save the homeowner money. Low-flow lavatory faucets and showerheads also contribute to saving money and water.
* LANDSCAPING THAT REQUIRES LESS MAINTENANCE, WATER, AND FERTILIZER: By installing beautiful Florida-friendly plants in the right place, less water, fertilizer, and maintenance is required. Drought tolerant turf also contributes to water conservation.
Florida Water StarSM certification assures home buyers that they are making a sound investment by purchasing a water-efficient home that will save them money and maintenance time. As the green-building movement grows, it allows you to stay ahead of your customers’ expectations by offering
* Lower utility bills — A Florida Water StarSM-certified home could reduce indoor water use by more than 20 percent and outdoor water use by 40 percent or more.
* Less maintenance — Inefficient irrigation systems, appliances and pipes require more frequent repair and can cause expensive mold and moisture damage.
* Increased home value — Florida Water StarSM landscapes are lush and healthy, substantially adding to curb appeal and decreasing energy and water utility expenses.
Making your homes Florida Water StarSM certified also communicates to the community that your organization is serious about minimizing impacts on water.
GETTING STARTED: This certification process begins with an initial consultation to review the project, select the appropriate line items from the checklist, go over product options, and discuss how to proceed with the certification process based upon the landscape and irrigation contractor’s familiarity with the Water Star program.
Click below for the:
Water Star Checklist: (Notice that you only need 35 points each for irrigation and landscaping and 20 points for interior plumbing. In other words a total of 90 points is all that is required to earn this certification.)
The Technical Guide: This document provides the details of each line item in the Checklist and is in the final stages of completion. A link will be added to this web page as soon as Water Star adds it to their site.
The Builder Agreement: The builder or homeowner needs to provide SJRWM with a signed copy of this agreement at the beginning of the certification process. It helps SJRWM keep track of the program. By signing this document the builder or homeowner indicates that he or she is going to attempt to achieve the certification; there is no obligation to achieve it. Water Star will be adding this document to their site shortly. In the interim you can email me for a copy.
For more information on Water Star, visit www.FloridaWaterStar.com.
