Toho Water Authority Certifies First Florida Water Star Home In (Harmony) Osceola County

Sept. 19, 2009 - PRLog -- Toho Water Authority recognized David Weekley Homes today as the first builder in Osceola County to have a Florida Water Star certified home.  The home is located at 3424 Schoolhouse Rd. in Harmony, Florida, a town known for it’s commitment to sustainability and intelligent environmental practices.
Florida Water Star (SM) is a certification program that encourages water efficiency in household appliances, plumbing fixtures, irrigation systems and landscapes. Florida Water Star (SM) promotes the economic and environmental benefits of efficiency in new home construction by offering resources and incentives to builders and home buyers who value water efficiency. Toho adopted this program as a requirement for all new single family homes in April of 2008.
Some of the features that make the house a water star certified home include water conserving plumbing fixtures, high-efficiency toilets, water efficient showerheads and ENERGY STAR® appliances. In addition, the landscape features low-maintenance, micro-irrigated Florida-friendly plant beds, and high-volume irrigation (spray or rotor heads) is limited to less than 50 percent of the landscape.
Builders in developments that started before Florida Water Star (SM) was required can participate in the program voluntarily.  Toho offers several incentives to encourage voluntary participation.  Interested builders should contact Liz Block, Water Conservation Coordinator at 407-518-2569.
“Certifying the first Florida Water Star home in Osceola County is the beginning of a new philosophy and standard for development in the County. Toho Water Authority and Osceola County have always valued our water resources and now our approach to building will being to reflect that value”, said Brian Wheeler, Toho Water Authority, Executive Director.  
Harmony (www.harmonyfl.com) is Central Florida’s largest green certified community. The town is designed to provide an old-fashioned hometown lifestyle while preserving its natural setting. Seventy percent of Harmony’s 11,000 acres will remain as open space. David Weekley, the newest builder at Harmony, is now offering GREEN certified homes starting from the $170's. For more information, visit: http://dwh.harmonyfl.com.

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Established in October 2003 by a special act of the Florida legislature, Toho Water Authority is the largest provider of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services in Osceola County. The Authority currently serves 73,000 water, 71,000 wastewater, and 10,000 reclaimed water customers in Kissimmee, Poinciana, and unincorporated areas of Osceola County.