Focus : Mobile Irrigation Labs
Conservation of water and protection of water quality are priorities in Florida, where regulations and consumptive use restrictions are in place; and home and business owners face greater restrictions, new regulations, and increasing water usage costs. In addition, non-uniform application can cause some plants to receive too much water, and some, not enough. Additional water applied to compensate can cause fertilizers and pesticides to seep unfiltered through the sandy Florida soil, and into the aquifers that contain most of the state's fresh water.
For more than a decade, Mobile Irrigation Labs (MILs) have been evaluating irrigation systems in both agricultural and urban areas of Florida to help owners and/or operators develop customized irrigation management plans that will meet their specific needs, save water, and protect water quality. Supported and operated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NCRS), the five Florida Water Management Districts, and selected counties and utilities, MILs have been operating in Florida for more than a decade, with 22 MILs in 46 counties. "MILs provide a valuable service to help urban and agricultural irrigators conserve water, reduce fuel costs and fertilizer leaching", said Ron Cohen, Agricultural and Irrigation Engineer with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Upon request, an MIL, consisting of a one- or two-man team, will visit land/home owners or a company, analyze their irrigation systems and equipment, and educate/ advise them on water conservation, irrigation planning and irrigation management; all FREE of charge. MILs also educate the public about these issues. Proper irrigation planning and system management can save substantial amounts of water and can greatly improve water quality for many. For more information on MILs, or to request a visit, see the links below:
- Information from the FDACS
- MIL Contacts (FDACS - PDF)
- MIL Service Areas (FDACS - PDF)
- Southwest Florida Water Management District MIL Page
- MIL Fact Sheet from South Florida Water Management District (PDF)