CLAY COUNTY – Douglas Conkey made a circuit through municipal meetings in Clay County to raise awareness for April's 26th annual Water Conservation Month. 

Conkey first made a stop in Orange Park on March 19. Next, he popped in for the Board of County Commissioners meeting on March 26. Then, he swung by Keystone Heights on April 1. He made another stop in Green Cove Springs on April 2. 

Conkey serves as the intergovernmental coordinator for the Saint Johns River Water Management District. And coordinate, he did indeed. 

Water Conservation Month falls in April because it's typically a dry month for Florida and when the water demand is at its greatest. 

The theme for the 26th year of Water Conservation Month is "Improving Outdoor Irrigation Efficiency."

Municipalities across the county encourage citizens to focus on irrigating efficiently since outdoor irrigation comprises a significant portion of water use. 

During the BCC meeting on March 26, Commissioner Betsy Condon shared simple water conservation measures – ensuring automatic sprinklers are functioning properly, following water restrictions, using a rain sensor, repairing damaged sprinklers and repairing any leaks. 

Conkey said that while April is Water Conservation Month, we should work all year to conserve water "24/7, 365."

"As much as I have seen people water the streets and water the driveways, the grass never seems to want to grow there. We want to be sure we water efficiently," Conkey said.