UF IFAS Extension Central Florida Water Resources

07/10/2026

New to Florida or still getting used to the climate?

Join our free Water Wednesday webinar on Understanding Florida Homes: Humidity, Mold, and Energy Use this Wednesday, July 15 at 2 PM..

Florida's heat and humidity can affect your home's comfort, energy use, and even indoor air quality. Learn practical tips to:
* Control indoor moisture
* Help prevent mold growth
* Improve air conditioner efficiency
* Reduce energy costs
* Lower the risk of moisture and termite problems

Whether you recently moved to Florida or have lived here for years, this webinar will help you better understand how Florida homes work.

Register here: https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u3Uk8L2nSACtm3-XgRJkNQ

06/24/2026

New to Florida? Our Water Wednesday webinar series is designed to help Florida residents better understand the state's environment, water resources, homes, and landscapes.

Topics include:
* Water conservation
* Stormwater and drainage
* Hurricane preparedness
* Home humidity and energy use
* Florida wildlife and pests
* Septic and sewer systems

View upcoming webinars and recordings:
https://mrec.ifas.ufl.edu/extension/water/water-wednesday/

The Mid-Florida Research & Education Center (MREC) offers Research, Teaching, and Extension programs centered on environmental horticulture, entomology, plant pathology, and many other areas of study.

06/09/2026

Would you know what to do if a hurricane was heading your way? Join UF/IFAS Extension for a free webinar on hurricane preparedness for Florida residents. We will cover evacuation planning, emergency kits, home preparation, generator safety, and more. Register: https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u3Uk8L2nSACtm3-XgRJkNQ

06/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Irrigation That Learns: Using Soil Moisture Data for Better Irrigation Decisions at the UF/IFAS Indian River Research and Education Center in Fort Pierce.

The workshop brought together growers, Extension professionals, researchers, consultants, and agency partners to explore how soil moisture monitoring and decision support tools can help inform irrigation management. Participants learned about soil moisture sensors, irrigation scheduling tools, farm specific modeling applications, and available technical and financial assistance programs.

Attendees also toured field installations to see soil moisture monitoring technologies in action and visited educational exhibits hosted by UF/IFAS, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, St. Johns River Water Management District, and other partners.

Thank you to our speakers, exhibitors, and participants for making this event a success. We appreciate the opportunity to support Florida agriculture through practical, data driven approaches to irrigation management and water conservation.

06/01/2026

Ever wonder why there are so many ponds in Florida neighborhoods? Our latest Water Wednesday recap explores how Florida manages stormwater, how drainage systems work, and why everyday choices around our homes can affect water quality.

Read the recap: https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/mrec/2026/05/27/water-wednesday-recap-stormwater-101/

Learn how Florida manages stormwater runoff, ponds, drainage systems, and water quality

04/29/2026

Water is part of daily life in Florida, from how we use it at home to how it moves through our landscapes and communities. This month, we explored where it comes from, how it is used, and how small actions can help conserve it. Simple steps like adjusting irrigation, checking for leaks, and understanding your landscape can help reduce unnecessary use over time. Follow us to stay updated on upcoming programs and resources. Thank you for following along this month.

04/27/2026

Landscapes in Florida can vary widely, and they do not all require the same amount of water. Water needs depend on plant type, soil conditions, and how different areas of the yard are designed. Not all parts of a landscape need the same amount of water. Understanding your landscape can help you make more informed watering decisions and avoid unnecessary irrigation. Learn more: https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/design/landscaping-for-specific-sites/planning-your-landscape-to-conserve-water/

04/24/2026

Small leaks can waste water over time without being noticed. A dripping faucet, a running toilet, or a leaking outdoor spigot can add up if left unchecked. Taking a few minutes to check for leaks is a simple way to reduce unnecessary water use at home. A quick toilet dye test can help identify hidden leaks.

04/22/2026

In many Florida neighborhoods, rainwater flows into storm drains and is directed to ponds, lakes, or other nearby water bodies. These systems are designed to manage rainfall and reduce flooding, but they do not treat water the same way wastewater systems do. What flows off yards and streets can move through these systems and into local waters. Join our next Water Wednesday to learn more about Florida’s stormwater systems. To register: https://ufl.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u3Uk8L2nSACtm3-XgRJkNQ #/registration

This monthly series is designed for new Florida residents who want to learn how to manage water, weather, wildlife, and home challenges with confidence. Please join us one Wednesday afternoon a month for a new topic taught by University of Florida experts who can help teach you the basics of living....

04/20/2026

Water does not just disappear after it is used. Water used indoors typically flows to a wastewater or septic system for treatment. Outdoors, water may soak into the soil, be used by plants, or move across surfaces as runoff into stormwater systems. These pathways are all connected to the environment beyond your property.