Water Resources

Accomplishments

• Energy Savings Company (ESCO) - On October 11, 2005, the Board selected thirteen projects to be included in an ESCO contract with Energy Systems Group, which included: installing a combined central energy plant between the Courthouse Annex and Courthouse, performing additional lighting upgrades in County building facilities, performing water conservation in certain County buildings, and further reducing the rate of electrical consumption by employing computerized energy management system controls. The total project is expected to generate savings of $6,714,535 over a period of twelve years. (Found at http://www.leoncountyfl.gov/GrowingGreen/pdfs/pastefforts.pdf)

• Irrigation sensors - Moisture sensors provide only the necessary water to grass and landscapes, promote proper growth, and help to limit disease. The Leon County Courthouse, Main Library, and Facilities Management Building were the first three buildings to receive irrigation sensors. Given that athletic fields and parks have extensive land that needs irrigation, the County has also installed sensors in the following County athletic fields and parks: Canopy Oaks, Fort Braden, J. Lewis Hall Sr., Daniel B. Chaires, Apalachee Regional, and Miccosukee. In addition to the core purpose of reducing water consumption, the sensors will assist staff to easily maintain the athletic facilities. The sensors will allow the irrigation system to only operate when necessary to prevent over-watering due to changes in temperatures or recent rain events. County staff is also installing moisture sensors throughout the demonstration gardens of Cooperative Extension. It is intended that all County irrigation systems will operate with moisture sensors, as well as programmable controls in the future.