Water conservation plays a vital role in protecting and ensuring the sustainability of Florida’s water supply. Small changes in everyday water use can have a huge impact on lowering water consumption. The St. Johns River Water Management District is taking advantage of these adjustments with its new water conservation rebate program.

Through the innovative program, local governments and utilities that are in the District’s 18-county region are eligible to receive reimbursements of up to $10,000 for water conservation projects for non-agricultural use on a first-come, first-served basis. Where a traditional cost-share program may take up to 18 months for payment, this program allows eligible costs to be reimbursed monthly while funding is available. Approved projects will be rebated on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds are depleted. This year’s budget program funds are $50,000.

To participate, agencies must meet the program guidelines. Eligible agencies should complete the water conservation rebate program qualification application. Once approved, they may begin implementing their water conservation project that conserves groundwater. Approved projects can then apply for cost-share rebates for up to 50% of actual costs with a not-to-exceed designated maximum amount per item or service.

Four outdoor water-saving items and services that have been proven to have a significant impact on water conservation are eligible for reimbursement through this program, specifically:

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense®-labeled smart irrigation controllers
• Irrigation conversions (high-volume spray to a high-efficiency rotary nozzle or micro-irrigation in landscape beds)
• Irrigation system evaluations and timer modifications
• Landscape soil amendments (for new residential construction)

The combination of these outdoor water-saving measures has the potential to save thousands of gallons of water annually at each property where they are implemented.

With this rebate program, the District is encouraging smaller governments and utilities to create and promote water conservation projects that may have been cost-prohibitive before. A huge perk, specific to this program, is how fast the District is able to reimburse the eligible costs.

An in-depth informational webinar explaining the program will be hosted on Feb. 6 at 11 a.m. Register for the webinar here.

For more information, including program guidelines, application and remaining funds, visit the water conservation rebate program webpage.