Utilities Department - Conservation

Water is a precious resource that so many of us take for granted. According to the American Water Works Association, only one percent of the earth’s water is available for human consumption, and yet, according to the latest U.S. Geological Survey, the United States uses 408 billion gallons a day. In the state of Florida alone, each person uses about 120 to 150 gallons of water per day. It is our responsibility to preserve our most precious resource as best we can. By making simple changes in our daily routines we can be better stewards of this resource and ensure its availability for the generations to come.

There are several programs and practices that the Palm Bay Utilities Department has in place to guarantee water conservation at every level.

Reuse/Reclaimed Water – Reuse is the application of reclaimed wastewater for beneficial purposes. Reclaimed water is wastewater that has been thoroughly treated to remove harmful organisms and substances such as bacteria, viruses and heavy metals. [more]

Irrigation – St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) has made changes to their Water Conservation Rule to provide for specific watering days based on the time of year and whether you live at an odd or even-numbered address. Outdoor irrigation is only permitted before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m. Watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is illegal and can subject you to a fine. The rule applies to everyone, regardless of whether the water comes from a private well, or a private or public utility. Use of reclaimed water is permissible anytime and is excluded from this rule. In general, most Florida grasses need only about 2/3 to 3/4 of an inch of water each time it rains or you irrigate. Apply only enough water to wet the grass’ root system. [more]

Xeriscape Landscaping – Following Xeriscape guidelines helps promote healthier lawns with deeper roots that are not subject to fungus and other diseases. Xeriscape landscaping protects the environment by using native plants that have adapted to local conditions, are drought-tolerant and have developed a resistance to insects and disease. [more]

Showerhead Exchange Program – The City of Palm Bay invites customers to exchange their old showerhead for a new low-flow, water-conserving showerhead. This simple step will conserve water and save you money on your water bill. Just bring your old showerhead in to the Utilities Administration Office located at 250 Osmosis Drive, SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909 or the Utilities Customer Service Office located inside City Hall at 120 Malabar Road SE. Office hours are Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (One showerhead per household please.) [more]