WHEREAS, Orange County Utilities acknowledges that water is a finite resource that is vital to human life; and

WHEREAS, Orange County Utilities recognizes that the water from the Floridan Aquifer is limited and should be conserved because all living things need water to thrive; and

WHEREAS, it has been substantiated that 50%, and sometimes more, of all water used by residential customers goes directly on lawns and landscaping; and

WHEREAS, studies conducted in Florida have shown that the average in-ground irrigation system is operating at only 40 to 45% efficiency; and

WHEREAS, the Orange County Utilities Water Division, in partnership with the Irrigation Association, will celebrate July as "Smart Irrigation Month" to raise awareness of the benefits of efficient irrigation practices and technologies;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Richard T. Crotty, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Orange County Mayor, do hereby proclaim the month of July as

SMART IRRIGATION MONTH

in Orange County, Florida, and urge all citizens of Orange County to pledge to become more aware of water usage and irrigation practices that use water efficiently.

DONE AND ORDERED this 30th day of June, 2009.