Water Conservation Rebate Programs

Image Water Conservation Rebate Programs

Manatee County rebate programs are designed to reduce the amount of drinking water drawn from Manatee County Utilities Department and used for landscape irrigation by offering financial incentives for making irrigation and/or landscape improvements.

Indoor Water (Toilet) Conservation Rebate Program

·        Toilet Rebate Program Reinstated

·         Manatee County Utilities customers who receive water service are eligible for the program; if only solid waste/recycling are provided the account will not qualify.

·         Toilets to be replaced must be at least 20 years old and use 3.5 gallons of water or more per flush

·         New toilets must use 1.6 gallons of water per flush or less

·         Maximum of two (2) toilet replacements per property

·         Contact the Toilet Rebate Office at 1-800-964-2140 or e-mail them at MCRebate77@yahoo.com to apply for a rebate.

·         At time of initial phone call or email have on hand the following:

a.    Name

b.    Property Address; also mailing address if different from property address

c.    Local phone number

d.    Water Account Number **

            ** If your park or condominium association pays the water bill, please have the name of that association available at the time of your request for the rebate. 

·         Do not get rid of old toilet(s); an appointment for a physical inspection of both old and new toilets must be scheduled 
·         Expect your rebate check no earlier than four to six weeks after completion of inspection and submission of required paperwork.
Top Of Page

Participants, Categories

Participants – Home and business owners with in-ground irrigation systems served by Manatee County Utilities Department that have a record of using a monthly average of more than 8,500 gallons of potable water during any six-month period on properties built prior to March, 2003; have an approved backflow device and no cross connections on the property.  A working rain sensor is also required, but may be included in the Rebate Program if the property does not have a working sensor on the premises.

  • Make an application with the Water Conservation office at the Utilities Department (see conact information at the bottom of this page).
  • Complete the requirements within the chosen category(ies).
  • Submit copies of invoices, permits and proof of payment when work is complete.
Top Of Page

Cistern

  • Rebate 50% of documented cost up to $500
  • Minimum storage capacity of 2,500 gallons
  • Store air conditioner condensation, pool overflow, water table collection, rainwater, etc.
  • For use in place of potable water for irrigation
Top Of Page

Alternative Water Source

  • Rebate 50% of documented cost up to $500
  • Install pump and equipment to draw irrigation from a lake, stormwater retention/detention area or other natural storage area
  • For use in place of potable water for irrigation
Top Of Page

Irrigation Well

  • Rebate 50% of documented cost up to $1,000
  • Install new well or repair existing inoperative well
Top Of Page

Community Well

  • Rebate 50% of documented cost up to $1,000 per customer or up to $10,000 per well
  • Install new well or repair existing inoperative well for multiple users on one well
  • Two or more qualified users on one well
Top Of Page

Rain Sensor Irrigation Shut-Off Device

  • Rebate 100% of documented cost up to $125.00
  • Device must affect the entire irrigation system (not just a zone)
  • Must be installed and operational
  • Must have Extension Service evaluation following installation
Top Of Page

Soil Moisture Sensor or Evapo-Transpiration Based Irrigation Control

  • Rebate 100% of documented cost up to $250.00 for either device (not both)
  • Device must affect the entire irrigation system (not just a zone)
  • Must be installed and operational
  • Must have Extension Service evaluation following installation
Top Of Page

Landscape Irrigation System Repair or Retrofit

  • Rebate 50% of documented cost up to $500.00
  • Irrigation/landscape evaluation by Extension Service (a) before work, (b) immediately after work is completed, and (c) 12 months after completion
  • Attend one (1) educational workshop given by Manatee County Extension Service (Landscape Irrigation)
  • Complete recommended repairs for leaks, broken parts, etc. including:
    • Separate irrigation zones for turf and landscape bed zones
    • Install low-volume irrigation in landscape bed zones
    • Have a properly-installed and operational rain sensor irrigation shut-off device (see item 5)
Top Of Page

Landscape Irrigation System Replacement

(Replace half or more of existing irrigation zones)

  • Rebate 50% of documented cost up to $1,000.00
  • Irrigation/landscape evaluation by Extension Service (a) before work, (b) immediately after work is completed, and (c) 12 months after completion
  • Attend one (1) educational workshop given by Manatee County Extension Service (Landscape Irrigation)
  • Complete recommended repairs for leaks, broken parts, etc. including:
    • Separate irrigation zones for turf and landscape bed zones
    • Install low-volume irrigation in landscape bed zones
    • Have a properly-installed and operational rain sensor irrigation shut-off device (see item 5)

 

Top Of Page

Landscape Retrofit

(Replace half or more of existing irrigation zones)

  • Rebate 50% of documented cost up to $1,000.00 (No more than $100 of rebate may be used to pay for plans from a licensed landscape architect or a certified landscape designer)
  • Irrigation/landscape evaluation by Extension Service (a) before work, (b) immediately after work is completed, and (c) 12 months after completion
  • Attend two (2) educational workshops given by Manatee County Extension Service (Landscape Irrigation and Florida Landscaping)
  • Implement all landscape recommendations from initial evaluation in accordance with approved plans
  • Repair or retrofit irrigation system (see Item 7)
  • Have a properly-installed and operational rain sensor irrigation shut-off device (see item 5)

Adopt Florida Friendly landscape principles into your yard and create a beautiful, lush landscape without grass.  Plant grass only where it is used, and plant water-efficient trees, shrubs and plants where it is never used.  Upgrading grass to xeriscape saves water, reduces maintenance time and increases beauty and diversity in your landscape. 

 

You could receive a rebate up to $1,000.00 for plant material and design with receipts.  You may design your own landscape or use a professional designer.  Approval of designs by the Manatee County Extension Service will be required.  To receive this rebate, you also must attend educational workshops provided by the Manatee County Extension Service.   Visit the Florida Friendly Landscape website for more information.

 

Top Of Page