The Southwest Florida Water Management District approved funding for an additional phase of the Pinellas County Ultra Low-flow Toilet Rebate Program in response to an unexpected increase in consumer demand.
The program promotes water conservation by providing toilet rebates of up to $100 for each high-flow toilet or urinal replaced with a low-flow model. The program targets residential and commercial customers of Pinellas County Utilities and the cities of Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Safety Harbor, Tarpon Springs and Oldsmar.
This ongoing project has been cooperatively funded by Pinellas County and the District’s Pinellas-Anclote River Basin Board since 2002. During that time, the 81,845 low-flow toilets have been installed, which are estimated to save approximately 2.3 million gallons of water per day. Under the agreement Pinellas County inspects the installed toilets and reports the water saved using actual water use data.
“This program was slated to end this year, but the District and County decided to continue the program another year to take advantage of the increase in participation,” said Melissa Musicaro, District water conservation analyst. “Now an additional 8,000 rebates are available through Oct. 31, 2008.”
The total cost for this phase is $1,096,000. As part of the agreement, Pinellas County will receive up to $548,000 in financial assistance from the District’s Pinellas-Anclote River Basin Board.
Customers interested in participating may contact the Pinellas County Toilet Rebate Office at 727-725-2604.