The homebuilders who are doing the most business these days are the ones who are building green.  And there's a new incentive for them to build homes that use a lot less water.

And in the middle of an ongoing drought, this new program from the Southwest Florida Water Management District comes at the right time.  It's called the Florida Water Star Gold certification program, and it's another way for homebuilders to market their "green-ness", if they're building a home that use a lot less water inside and out.

Landscape Education specialist Angela Maraj is helping Suncoast builders with the new program.  "Many of the green builders are already implementing quite a few of the practices that we're requiring, so its an easy compliment to what they're already doing."

Inside the home, the program will require things like dual flush toilets, commodes that use less water when there's less to flush.

Faucets will also be water efficient, and they prove that water savers can look good and perform even better.

Outside the home, efficient irrigation systems and Florida-friendly yards will help homebuilders earn gold status.  "There's a lot of really smart irrigation technology on the market these days that really promotes water conservation."

And the biggest water waster at most homes comes from trying to keep the grass green.  "Of your water bill, outdoor irrigation will account for up to 50-to-70% of that bill.  And through the Florida Water Star Gold program, we're projecting a savings of 30% overall for indoor and outdoor water use.  That's quite significant."

There are ways you can save water right now in your existing home.  Maraj suggests installing inexpensive aerators on your faucets and shower heads, which will cut down on your water use.

For more information on SWFMD's Florida Water Star Gold program, just go to www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/florida_water_star_gold/.

And if you'd like to learn more about green products for the home, the Green Realtors Alliance of Sarasota is hosting a free Green Homes Expo.  It happens Friday from 2pm-7pm at the Chelsea Center, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive in Sarasota.