A water conservation project funded by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and Pinellas County will reduce demand and conserve potable water.
The project encourages the use of the surficial aquifer, Floridan aquifer, and surface water from lakes, ponds, rivers and streams for non-potable applications, such as lawn irrigation. Residents who live in portions of the county’s potable service area that will not be receiving reclaimed water service are eligible to receive a rebate of up to $300 for installing a well or pump. Up to 500 residents who meet the program requirements may participate.
As part of the program, participants must agree to random metering by the county and cannot use potable water for irrigation while they are participating in the program.
The county estimates this project will provide approximately 150,000 gallons of water per day (gpd), which will offset 75,000 gpd of potable water. The average daily savings is expected to be approximately 150 gallons of potable water per residence per day.
The total cost for this program is $165,000, which will be divided among the District’s Pinellas-Anclote River Basin Board and Pinellas County.
Eligible residents interested in participating in the project can learn more by visiting the Pinellas County web site www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/rebate-aws.htm or by contacting the Alternate Water Sources Rebate Program at 727-464-3688.