PALATKA, Fla., Oct. 9, 2007 — The St. Johns River Water Management District today formally certified the first home built to Florida Water StarSM standards at World Golf Village.
Florida Water StarSM is a point-based residential certification program that encourages water efficiency in household appliances, plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems and landscapes. The program promotes the economic and environmental benefits of water efficiency in new home construction to builders and home buyers. By following the program’s guidelines, builders can boast a certification with obvious and unique benefits to their customers.
The new home, built by Hovis Custom Builders, is located on Crest Street in the Neighborhoods of World Golf Village, near the King and the Bear Golf Course.
“At a time when consumers are growing increasingly more concerned about saving money and also about maintaining their home’s value, a home built to Florida Water StarSM standards is a smart investment,” says Jeff Cole, director of the District’s Office of Communications and Governmental Affairs. “Indoors, new high-efficiency fixtures and appliances can save an average family 20,000 gallons of water every year, which also saves money. Outdoors, Florida Water StarSM landscapes can cut irrigation use in half, reduce maintenance and increase curb appeal and home values.”
While lawn and landscape irrigation can account for more than 50 percent of total water use at residential and commercial locations, the efficient irrigation systems and waterwise landscaping of a Florida Water StarSM home can cut irrigation use in half.
Other benefits include reducing money spent on inefficient irrigation systems and their maintenance and repair.
In addition to water-efficient systems, the Crest Street home meets Energy Star qualifications.
“We have been part of the Energy Star Program for over 12 years and the first in this area to qualify as a Green Built builder,” says Dan Hovis, president of Hovis Custom Builders. “We pride ourselves for being on the leading edge of the efficiency and conservation effort. So, pursuing Florida Water StarSM certification was just an extension of this desire to be a leader in conserving our natural resources.”
St. Johns County Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson says, “Florida Water StarSM is important for the future of St. Johns County and the St. Johns River.”
The District formally launched the Florida Water StarSM program in January 2006 in northeast Florida. The first homes were built and certified in Jacksonville’s Mandarin community in summer 2006. Over the past two years, approximately 50 homes have been built to Florida Water StarSM standards in the 18-county District.
For more information about Florida Water StarSM, contact Deirdre Irwin, program coordinator, at (386) 312-2310, or visit the program’s Web pages at www.floridawaterstar.com.
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