Florida Water Star awards six participants for water conservation efforts
Florida Water Star award recipients (L-R): C.J. Davila with Florida Green Building Coalition; Nathan Ritter with GreenBuilt Solutions; Merry Mott with Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association; Phillip Hisey with On Top of the World; and Eileen Burke with Florida Home Partnership.
MAITLAND, Fla., May 23, 2017 — Florida Water Star SM presented six awards to local organizations and individuals for their work to further water conservation. Developed by the St. Johns River Water Management District and launched in 2007, the Florida Water Star program provides water conservation certification for homes, entire communities and commercial developments.
“Florida Water Star’s legacy of water conservation is felt statewide,” said St. Johns River Water Management District Executive Director Dr. Ann Shortelle. “We see water conservation as a crucial tactic for meeting future water demands, so we’re excited to recognize the work of our partners who are champions for conservation.”
Six awards recognized a variety of achievements in water conservation across Florida.
- Private Builder Award – On Top of the World in Ocala
- Nonprofit Builder Award – Florida Home Partnership in Ruskin
- Program Partner Award – Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association, in Orlando
- Training Partner Award – Kurt Thompson and Associates in Orlando
- Certification Program Partner Award – Florida Green Building Coalition in Tallahassee
- Program Certifier Award – Nathan Ritter with GreenBuilt Solutions in Orlando
In its first 10 years, 4,100 residences received water conservation certification through the program. The number of certifications being sought increased by 200 percent last year, from 79 homes in 2015 to 283 homes in 2016.