The Southwest Florida Water Management District is working with Manatee County Utilities to promote water conservation by providing toilet rebates of up to $100 for each high-volume toilet replaced with a low-flow model.
High-volume toilets can use three gallons or more per flush, while low-flow toilets use up to 1.6 gallons per flush.
Residential, commercial and industrial customers within the Manatee County Utilities service area, which includes western unincorporated Manatee County and the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach, are eligible to participate in the low-flow toilet rebate program.
This is the second phase of the project. This phase is expected to replace up to 900 high-volume toilets to save approximately 17,250 gallons of water per day, reducing the demand on the regional system.
Low-flow showerheads will also be provided to participating customers to replace conventional showerheads, which can use up to four gallons per minute. Low-flow showerheads use up to 2.5 gallons per minute and are also equipped with a lather-switch, which temporarily stops the flow of water without losing any heat when it is turned back on.
In addition to providing rebates and showerheads, program participants will also receive information on proper maintenance practices, such as flapper replacement, to ensure that their low-flow toilets continue to conserve water. They will also receive information about other methods of indoor water conservation.
This phase is expected to cost $126,144. As part of the agreement, Manatee County may receive up to $63,072 in financial assistance from the District’s Manasota Basin Board.
Customers interested in participating in the project may contact Viewtech Financial Services at 1-888-843-9832 for the qualification requirements and applications.