The Southwest Florida Water Management District is working with the Manatee County Extension Service and Manatee County Utilities on a rebate program aimed at promoting outdoor water conservation.
As part of the program, Manatee County Utilities Operations customers who live in the western unincorporated service area of Manatee County and the cities of Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach are eligible to participate in a rain sensor rebate program.
Residents or businesses that use drinking water for an irrigation system installed before September 1998 and do not have a working rain sensor are eligible to participate. Recipients must provide documentation of cost and are subject to site verification.
Outdoor water use can account for up to 50 percent of water consumed by households. This program addresses the county’s water conservation plan and is supported by increased rates for potable water use in landscape irrigation.
This program is expected to cost $12,500. As part of the agreement, Manatee County may receive up to $6,250 in financial assistance from the District’s Manasota Basin Board.
Customers interested in participating in the project may contact Jack Tichenor or Cheryl Werner at the Manatee County Extension Service (941) 722-4524 or by email at jtichenor@ifas.ufl.edu.