The Southwest Florida Water Management District recently approved an agreement to help Marion County fund its first irrigation evaluation program.
As part of the program, approximately 250 residents may volunteer to participate in this free program. Participants will receive an irrigation system evaluation, site-specific recommendations, installation of a rain sensor or a soil moisture sensor if an operable automatic shutoff device is not present, and Florida-friendly landscaping educational materials. The evaluations will be conducted by a qualified irrigation contractor.
According to a study completed by the City of Tampa, on a similar program customers can save an average of 188 gallons per day (gpd) as a result of an irrigation evaluation. Based on this estimate, a water savings of approximately 47,000 gpd could result from this program.
The total cost for this program is expected to be $100,000. As part of the agreement, Marion County will receive up to $50,000 in financial assistance from the Withlacoochee River Basin Board.
Customers interested in participating in the project may contact Rolly Sauls, Marion County Water Resources Project Manager at (352) 438 – 2609 or via email at Rolly.Sauls@marioncountyfl.org.