Environmental Advisory Committee

WATER CONSERVATION MONTH

Message from the South Florida Water Management District

Helpful tips to conserve water during Water Conservation Month

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Governing Board declared April as Water Conservation Month today. This annual proclamation highlights SFWMD's continuing efforts to conserve water and ensure ample supply now and in the future.

Florida has observed Water Conservation Month since 1998 to highlight how each of us can do our part, in the little ways and the big ways, to conserve water to make sure we all have enough.

Around 3 billion gallons of water are used every day in Central and Southern Florida by 9 million residents and visitors - for watering lawns, drinking and bathing, growing crops and servicing industries. Future water demands are projected to increase to approximately 4.1 billion gallons per day by 2040. One of the most effective ways to address increasing water needs is through water conservation.

During Water Conservation Month, the SFWMD joins with local governments throughout our 16-county region to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and the ways residents and businesses can reduce our water use all year long. 

With approximately 50 percent of residential water used for irrigation, it is important to irrigate efficiently. To promote more efficient irrigation and conservation, SFWMD passed a year-round Landscape Irrigation Rule that limits the days and hours allowed for landscape irrigation. The year-round Landscape Irrigation Rule is a component of the District's Comprehensive Water Conservation Program, which was established to encourage more responsible use of water resources throughout South Florida.

The SFWMD is also encouraging all local governments to adopt a local irrigation ordinance following the District's year-round rule restricting irrigation to two or three day.

Public Resources

Homeowners can use these simple tips to save water both inside and outside their home:

  • Make sure your rain sensor device is working properly to prevent your irrigation system from running in the rain. 
  • Set an irrigation timer to run only two or three days per week pursuant to your local irrigation ordinance and no irrigation between 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Learn more about Lawn Watering Restrictions. 
  • Install a “smart” irrigation controller that uses weather data or soil moisture information to decide when and how much irrigation is needed for your yard.
  • Fix leaks. Finding and fixing water leaks conserves water, saves money and protects your home from damage.
  • Landscape the Florida-Friendly Way by planting low maintenance plants using environmentally sustainable practices.

Learn more about the importance of water conservation.

Committee Members

 Committee Member Seat # Term Expires
Tom Bradford, ChairSeat 2 5/09/2024
VacantSeat 1 5/11/2023
Jill WentaSeat 3 5/11/2025
Brad FreeseSeat 4 5/09/2024
Russ RedmanSeat 5 5/11/2023
Clay DamonSeat 6 5/09/2024
Jessica NamathSeat 7 5/11/2023


To reach an EAC member via email: vot.firstinitiallastname.eac@gmail.com (Ex.  vot.tbradford.eac@gmail.com) 

Environmental Committee Issues and Events - Since Summer of 2019:


  • Operated an EAC table at VOT’s Food Truck Events in 2019 and 2020 (thru March) at Constitution Park promoting environmental issues, offering educational handouts and engaging children in interactive experiences and environmental-themed activities. 
  • Organized a presentation and public informational meeting by representatives from the Univ. of Florida’s - Florida Friendly Landscape Program on 1/21/20 in Village Council Chambers.
  • Provided recommendations and posed questions to VOT staff on various components of the Village’s Comprehensive Plan.
  • Proposed a VOT Resolution to eliminate the use of Glyphosate (chemical in herbicides like Round-Up) on Village property – Village Council PASSED
  • Proposed a VOT Resolution expressing support for a FL Senate bill that would allow local laws prohibiting the use or sale of single‐use plastics. Village Council PASSED
  • Proposed VOT Ordinance Banning Release of Balloons and Sky Lanterns to prevent accidental fires and dangers to marine wildlife. Village Council PASSED
  • Revised the Fertilizer Management portion of the Landscaping Ordinance which would implement a Rainy Season (6/1 - 9/30) Fertilizer Ban and require all commercial applicators to be properly educated and licensed. Village Council PASSED
  • Proposed revisions to the Village's Pesticide management portion of the Landscaping Ordinance and presented to Village Council for consideration. Village Council and Manager agreed to inform residents of statewide pesticide regulations and to amend language in the Ordinance to mirror key portions of the State of Florida’s Structural Pest Control Act which address’ pesticide application to landscapes.
  • Reviewed and provided input on a draft design proposal for the Village’s Remembrance Park suggesting the utilization of Florida Friendly Landscaping preferred methodologies.
  • Provided information to VOT staff on FPL EVolution Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Infrastructure Pilot Program.
  • Proposed a VOT Ban of Plastic Straws Ordinance to Village Council
  • Researched the production of re-usable bags to be used by Village residents, paid for and sponsored by Village businesses.
  • Proposed extension of the Village's Tree Canopy along major roadways. Forwarded to Village Manager.
  • Researched grants and discussed implementation of solar & energy efficiencies in Village facilities.
  • Held a meeting with a Micro‐Transit company exploring feasibility of implementation in and around the Village of Tequesta.
  • Consulted with Village staff on storm drainage improvements to reduce environmental impact of water runoff.
  • Created environmental-themed articles, which were published in VOT’s Smoke Signals Newsletter.

Committee History

During the July 11, 2019 Council Meeting, Council approved Resolution 21-19 establishing the Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) to help ensure the well being of all the areas natural and public resources, as well as the general well being of all residential and commercial landscaped and vegetation areas in the Village.   Council understands negative impacts on the Villages environment and its natural and public resources can come from sources from within and from outside of the Village and with proper education and regulation may be controlled or mitigated.  This committee is comprised of seven (7) members whom are residents of the Village of Tequesta.

The EAC meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 2:00 pm in the Council Chambers.