Florida's Water Watchdogs: Who's Minding The Sunshine State's Usage?

Water usage in Florida is monitored by the USGS National Water Use Information Program, which provides access to real-time water data from thousands of stations across the country. The data is collected by local, state, and federal agencies, as well as academic and private organizations. In addition, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) monitors local populations of breeding Nile monitors, an invasive species, in several counties across the state. Water Utility customers in Holly Hill, Florida, can also monitor their own water usage online through the Eye-on-Water program, which provides hourly readings and past usage graphing.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) monitors water usage in Florida

One example of FWCC's work in monitoring water usage is their efforts to manage the Nile monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus) population in Florida. Nile monitors are large, nonnative lizards that can grow to more than six feet in length and are native to sub-Saharan Africa. Due to their generalist diet and strong swimming abilities, they are often found near water and can impact native wildlife, including endangered species such as American crocodiles, sea turtles, and burrowing owls.

The FWCC works with other agencies and organizations to assess the threat of invasive species like the Nile monitor and develop management strategies. Their current efforts include active patrolling and removal of Nile monitors from known populations, as well as rapid response to sightings in new areas. The FWCC also encourages the public to report sightings of Nile monitors and provides resources for reporting through their free IveGot1 mobile app, phone number, or website.

In addition to monitoring invasive species, the FWCC also takes actions to reduce regulatory barriers to nonnative reptile removal and encourages removal and humane killing of these species from private properties and Commission-managed lands. Through their Exotic Pet Amnesty Program, they also allow pet owners to surrender exotic pets that they can no longer care for, helping to reduce the number of nonnative species released into the wild.

By monitoring water-dependent species like the Nile monitor, the FWCC plays a crucial role in managing water usage and conserving Florida's natural resources. Their efforts help protect native wildlife and ensure the sustainable use of water resources in the state.

The FWCC works with other agencies to assess the threat of invasive species

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWCC) is actively involved in monitoring and managing invasive species in the state, including the Nile monitor lizard. The FWCC works collaboratively with other agencies and organizations to assess the threat posed by invasive species and to develop effective management strategies.

One such collaboration is with the University of Florida research team, which includes partners such as the South Florida Water Management District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area. Together, they aim to better understand the distribution, abundance, and future management of invasive species, particularly in Palm Beach County. This involves conducting weekly surveys, deploying remote cameras and traps, evaluating control efforts, and increasing public awareness.

The FWCC also works closely with local governments, such as the City of Cape Coral in Lee County, which operates a trapping and removal program for Nile monitors. Additionally, the federal government is involved in controlling the Nile monitor population at Homestead Air Reserve Base in Miami-Dade County.

These collective efforts demonstrate the FWCC's commitment to working with various agencies to address the threat of invasive species in Florida. By combining resources and expertise, they can develop comprehensive strategies to protect the state's native wildlife and ecosystems.

The City of Cape Coral in Lee County operates a trapping program to remove Nile monitors

The City of Cape Coral in Lee County, Florida, is home to a large population of Nile monitors, a non-native, invasive species of lizard. Nile monitors are semi-aquatic and are drawn to areas with plenty of water where they can swim and hunt. Cape Coral's network of canals, combined with lush vegetation, provides the ideal habitat for these lizards, contributing to their rapid population growth in the area.

In response to the presence of Nile monitors, the City of Cape Coral in Lee County has implemented a trapping program to remove these invasive lizards from the community. The Environmental Resources Division leads this initiative, and residents can contact them directly to report Nile monitor sightings near their property. The division then attempts to trap the lizards, addressing the concerns of residents regarding these predatory species.

The Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) is a large member of the monitor lizard family, native to Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly drier regions, and the Nile River and its tributaries in East Africa. They are known for their muscular bodies, strong legs, powerful jaws, and sharp claws and teeth. Nile monitors have distinctive skin patterns, with olive green to black colouring, cream or yellow stripes on the jaw and head, and yellowish bands or spots along the back.

Nile monitors are skilled swimmers and can stay underwater for up to 15 minutes. They are also excellent climbers and quick runners on land, with the ability to reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour. These lizards are carnivores and highly predatory, feeding on a wide variety of prey, including fish, turtles, mollusks, birds, mammals, and eggs. They typically live in burrows near canals and can grow to impressive lengths of up to 7 feet.

The presence of Nile monitors in Cape Coral poses a significant threat to local wildlife, including the large population of burrowing owls in the area. Their high reproduction rate, diverse diet, and ability to travel over land and water facilitate their potential establishment throughout Florida. In addition to attacking small pets and livestock, Nile monitors may also impact federally protected species such as sea turtles, wading birds, and the American crocodile.

The Nile monitor is a semi-aquatic lizard that is not native to Florida

Water usage in Florida can be monitored by customers through the Eye-on-Water online monitoring system. This system provides hourly readings, past usage graphing, and other features to help customers detect leaks and understand their seasonal usage.

Now, onto the Nile monitor. The Nile monitor is a semi-aquatic lizard that is not native to Florida and is considered an invasive species. It is native to Sub-Saharan Africa and is found along the Nile River and its tributaries in East Africa. With their olive-green to black coloring and cream-colored or yellow stripes on the jaw and head, these lizards can grow to over 5 feet long. They are strong swimmers, often found near water, and are active during the day.

The Nile monitor is a member of the monitor lizard family and is known for its muscular body and long, rudder-shaped tail, which aids in swimming. They are skilled climbers and can remain underwater for up to 15 minutes. Nile monitors have a broad diet, including fish, reptiles, birds, and small mammals.

In Florida, Nile monitors are established in Lee, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties, with sightings throughout the state, including Broward County. Researchers believe their presence in Florida is due to intentional and unintentional releases from captivity. They are considered a threat to native wildlife, including endangered species such as sea turtles, crocodiles, and burrowing owls.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is actively working to manage and control the Nile monitor population in the state through trapping and removal programs.

Water Utility customers can monitor their water usage online with Eye-on-Water

Water Utility customers in Florida can now monitor their water usage online with Eye-on-Water. This service provides customers with hourly readings and past usage graphing, allowing them to detect leaks and identify seasonal usage patterns. By understanding their water usage trends, customers can make informed decisions to reduce water waste and lower their water bills.

To start using Eye-on-Water, customers need to sign up for an account on the website or download the mobile app. During the setup process, customers will be asked to provide their utility billing account number and zip code. Once registered, customers can log in to their accounts and access detailed water usage information.

The Eye-on-Water platform offers a variety of features to help customers manage their water usage effectively. Customers can view their recent water usage with a two-week comparison, analyse their usage history by day, week, month, and year, and identify short and long-term trends. This information can help customers identify areas where they can conserve water and reduce their environmental impact.

In addition to the online platform, the Eye-on-Water mobile app provides customers with convenient access to their water usage information on their smartphones. The app is available for download on Android and iPhone devices and offers similar features to the online platform. Customers can set up leak alerts, monitor their usage trends, and contact their water utility directly through the app.

The Eye-on-Water service is provided by BEACON Customer Engagement, a service of Badger Meter, Inc. This technology company specialises in water usage monitoring and has developed the Eye-on-Water platform to help water utility customers better understand and manage their water consumption. With Eye-on-Water, customers in Florida can take control of their water usage and make informed decisions to conserve water and save money.

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