Water conservation
Water conservation cost-share program
Project descriptions:
1. Implementation of water conservation best management practices
Projects to implement water conservation best management practices (BMPs), such as plumbing fixture replacement, improvements to landscape or agricultural irrigation systems and improvements to commercial or industrial process efficiency, will be considered for funding if supported by an analysis that indicates the project will result in cost-effective water savings. Domestic and commercial/institutional plumbing as well as landscape BMPs shall meet or exceed Florida Water StarSM standards.
A water supply utility’s project that is identified in a goal-based water conservation plan that meets St. Johns River Water Management District standards and is supported by water conservation analysis, using the District’s Water Conservation Linear Programming Tool for identifying cost-effective BMPs, the Conserve Florida Guide or the Alliance for Water Efficiency Tracking Tool, will be given priority over similar projects that are not supported by such analysis. Contact Don Brandes at (386) 329-4126 or dbrandes@sjrwmd.com to discuss potential BMP implementation projects or the development of goal-based water conservation plans.
Additional information is provided in these appendixes:
- Tools for identifying cost-effective public supply BMPs (Appendix A)
- Instructions and template for public supply goal-based water conservation plans (Appendix B)
- Implementation of water conservation BMPs: General guidance for project scope development (Appendix C)
2. Automated tracking of historical customer consumption data
Water conservation planning can be improved through the better use of historical billing records, mapping and work order information. Many of these tools and methods are now in common use by utilities in support of other critical operations not associated with water conservation. Together, they can be used to plan and direct water conservation efforts. Combining the output of historical billing records, mapping and work order information will allow utilities to plan, monitor, target and take corrective action as needed to meet water conservation goals. Using these resources can aid participants in evaluating their performance while using today’s technology and equipment.
Funding will be available for improvement of systems to handle billing, mapping and work order data if such projects are directly linked to water conservation planning or the targeting and monitoring of water conservation efforts. The application must describe how the improved data processing capabilities will be used to support water conservation efforts. Examples of automated systems used by water utilities to support water conservation include “City Works” and “Maximo.” Contact Max Castaneda at (386) 329-4588 or mcastane@sjrwmd.com to discuss potential projects. See additional information for automated tracking of historical customer consumption data in Appendix D.
3. Landscape irrigation ordinance implementation and related education efforts
Local governments may apply for cost-share funds to assist them in implementing a landscape irrigation ordinance that fully implements the District’s rule and related irrigation efficiency education efforts. Local governments listed on the District’s website that have such ordinances are eligible, and local governments that are not listed may apply and have 180 days from Governing Board authorization to adopt a fully implementing ordinance. Priority will be given to regional programs in which two or more local governments and/or utilities propose a plan of work for up to two years, including implementation activities with associated in-the-field education plus data collection and processing. Contact Don Brandes at (386) 329-4126 or dbrandes@sjrwmd.com for more information, or refer to Appendix E.
4. Other (new and innovative technology and practices)
The District may consider of ideas that embrace new technologies, processes and practices. Some of these new technologies and processes may originate from water utility operation; commercial, industrial, institutional or agricultural water users; or may originate from advancements or ideas in other fields that can be transferred to water conservation. Proposals for projects that test the reliability and performance of new landscape irrigation technologies, such as soil moisture sensors and evapotranspiration-based controllers, may be considered. Contact Max Castaneda at (386) 329-4588 or mcastane@sjrwmd.com to discuss potential projects concerning the testing of innovative technology or water use data management. Contact Don Brandes at (386) 329-4126 or dbrandes@sjrwmd.com to discuss other types of projects.
