This morning I was joined by Miami-Dade Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho for a very special lesson in water conservation, lead by the students at Jose de Diego Middle School. These students, and their peers at 13 other schools in our city, are learning how to measure their water consumption through a multi-disciplinary approach to environmental education. Through the support of the National Environmental Education Foundation and several private partners, our children are being empowered with the knowledge of how they use water, our most precious resource, at school and at home.Throughout April, Miami recognizes Water Conservation Month. In 17 parks, we have installed rain sensors that prevent unnecessary watering. This system should save 55,000 gallons of water this year alone. At City Hall and other city buildings, we use high efficiency toilets and automatic flush valves, preventing the waste of 32,000 gallons of water per year. And at the meeting of the City Commission next week, we will introduce Miami's first Water Conservation Ordinance, which will require high efficiency plumbing fixtures in all new construction and renovations. The ordinance will also lead to thousands of gallons of water savings through permanent restrictions on the time and frequency of landscape irrigation.
I believe that we have an obligation to our children to take care of our environment and to educate them in conservation practices. The Be Water Wise Miami campaign is just the latest step in this ongoing process. You can learn more about it here.
Thanks to all of the students at Jose de Diego and their principal, Dr. Clay, for all they are doing for the future of our planet.
-Manny
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