(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- Are you having trouble keeping a lush home landscape. It could be due to an inefficient irrigation system that has poor coverage or contains leaks. Now you can sign up to receive a free irrigation assessment and free water-saving devices, specifically soil moisture sensors, through the Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension Division’s Urban Conservation Unit. Not only will you conserve precious water, but you will also save money.

The Urban Conservation Unit makes home visits and provides recommendations on how to improve the efficiency of irrigation systems as well as properly set the irrigation timer for plant needs and different sprinkler types. In addition, the UCU instructs homeowners on the operation and installation of the soil moisture sensor, which is one of the newest technological aides that determines the actual amount of moisture in the soil and skips irrigation sessions if there is sufficient moisture. To qualify for the program, homeowners must live in Miami-Dade County and have an irrigation system.

As an additional aide for homeowners and irrigation contractors, the UCU has developed instructional videos and posted them on YouTube to assist with the installation of soil moisture sensors. These videos were produced in collaboration with the University of Florida, Tropical Research and Education Center. To apply for the program, homeowners should contact:

Mary McCready
Florida Yards and Neighborhoods
305.248.3311, ext. 230
mlshedd@ufl.edu

Laura Vasquez
Florida Yards and Neighborhoods
305.248.3311, ext. 239
lavasquez@ufl.edu

The UCU is part of Miami-Dade County Cooperative Extension Division, a partnership of the Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department and the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. The UCU is supported by Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department.

More information about this and other programs can be found on the Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension website. You may also call 305-248-3311 and ask a Master Gardener to assist you.

Stay tuned for additional videos that will be developed promoting Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ principles and other conservation practices homeowners can implement in their landscape. To find out more, read up on the Florida Yards and Neighborhoods blog.

Inefficient home irrigation systems. Photos by Michael Gutierrez, University of Florida Tropical Research and Education Center.

About CSD
The Miami-Dade Consumer Services Department (CSD) investigates and mediates consumer complaints, enforces the County's consumer protection laws and business regulations, and licenses certain businesses.  In addition, the department's Cooperative Extension Division provides technical assistance to commercial agricultural growers, backyard gardeners, homeowners, and manages youth and family development programs.  The department also educates consumers on issues that affect them and provides resources to the public to improve their quality of life.