Our purpose is to provide University-based information to residents so they may learn to reduce their usage of drinking-quality water for irrigation while maintaining attractive, healthy landscapes.

The Mobile Irrigation Lab performs FREE landscape irrigation evaluations that can help residents save water and money.  Learn how to have your landscape irrigation system evaluated.

Some other services we provide to Manatee County residents include:

• Educational opportunities
• Displays at public events
• Office visits by appointment
• Special programs for groups

View the Water Conservation page on the University of Florida IFAS Manatee County Extension website.

For more information, please contact:
Melanie Stokes
Water Conservation Program Specialist
(941) 722-4524 ext. 1827
melaniestokes@ufl.edu

To register with Manatee County please complete and submit the Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Service Provider Registration Checklist to the Cross Connection Control office by emailing water.saver@mymanatee.org. Contractors must possess a valid, up-to-date plumbing license, current insurance, backflow preventer testing certification, and a current test kit calibration report. For testing of fire line backflow preventers, the State's Fire Marshal certificate is required. Registered contractors are required to record backflow test results through the Backflow Inspection and Test Portal within 7 days of testing. Any reports submitted through mail, e-mail, or fax will not be accepted. Failed test reports are required to be entered no later than 1 business day after testing.

To dye test your toilet, carefully remove the tank lid and set aside where it cannot drop or be stepped on. Add a few drops of food coloring or a dye tablet to the tank and wait 10-15 minutes without flushing. If color appears in the bowl, it indicates a leak that may need repair.

You must have your backflow preventer tested by a company from Manatee County's Authorized Testers list within 30 days. If it fails inspection, repair or replace it, and re-certify within the same timeframe. Failure to comply may result in the County scheduling the inspection at your expense, at a minimum of $50.00. For removal requests, submit a petition to the Cross Connection Control Office for approval.

A Backflow Prevention Assembly is a device installed on a water system to prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into the clean water supply. It ensures that water only moves in one direction, protecting public health by preventing pollutants, chemicals, or bacteria from entering drinking water.

If you discover water leaking from the backflow, these lines would be the homeowner's responsibility.  You may want to contact a plumber.

A backflow preventer is required if your property has a swimming pool, in-ground irrigation system, secondary water source (like a well or reclaimed water), a body of water, a fire sprinkler system, or a cross connection. If you irrigate with potable water, two backflow preventers are required—one at the meter and another on the irrigation line. These requirements comply with federal and state regulations, as well as local Manatee County codes.