H2Oviedo Water Conservation Incentive Program
Following through on their commitment to conserve water and reduce potable water consumption throughout Oviedo, the City Council formally established the H2Oviedo Water Conservation Incentive Program at their August 4th meeting. The incentive approach is considered to be a “win-win” environmental initiative as residents can learn new ways to reduce water consumption and save money in the process. The incentive program is available for residents with or without irrigation systems and has been designed so as not to conflict with permitting procedures of homeowner associations. Partner with us as we strive to reduce water consumption!
How Does the Program Work?
There are three (3) levels of participation:
1) Free water audit (everyone is eligible),
2) Free irrigation audit with up to $250 incentive bonus and
3) Up to $1,000 reimbursement for installation of Florida-friendly landscape upgrades (up to 2,000 square feet maximum of modified yard).
The incentive program has been initially set up on a first come, first served basis - but you must submit a completed application and own title to the subject property and be a City potable water customer in good standing for one year without disruption in service. There is a limit of $1,100 of incentive monies. The incentive program relies on an audit of each home and yard using St. John’s River Water Management standards to establish an interior and exterior water budget. The audit will also identify areas of additional water savings such as an inefficient irrigation systems, landscaping and appliances. The resident will be responsible for obtaining permits, if required, pursuant to City codes and homeowner association covenants.
Where Can I Obtain an Application and Where Do I Submit It?
Applications are available by clicking here or at the Receptionist Desk in City Hall. You must hand deliver your completed application to the receptionist at City Hall (first floor) beginning August 5th, 2008. Applications will not be processed until October 1st, 2008. Applicants will be contacted by the Water Conservation Coordinator after all applications are processed.
How Do the Incentives Work?
Florida-Friendly Landscape Upgrades: Installation of landscape upgrades such as drought tolerant turf grasses and plantings or installation of an alternative irrigation source such as a shallow well can provide up to $1,000 incentive reimbursement.
Water Bill Rebate: Based on an established “water budget”, the applicant must demonstrate a 90 day period of water wise potable use by meeting or beating water budget goals. The City water meter will be used to measure water usage. Qualified participants meeting goals in the 90 day period within 10% of the target water budget are eligible for a $50 water bill rebate. Participants exceeding 10% savings are eligible for an additional $50 bonus rebate. Participants will have 6 months to complete their landscape/irrigation modifications and contact the Water Conservation Coordinator for inspection. The City Finance Department will provide the rebate within two weeks following approval and documentation by City Utility staff.
Free Irrigation Audit: Up to thirty (30) participants on metered City irrigation can receive a free irrigation audit and be eligible for reimbursement of minor repairs from a private contractor. The City’s Water Conservation Officer will screen applicants with the most potential for saving water for this service. The contractor will fix minor problems, install a working rain gauge and evaluate other water-saving modifications.
For more detailed information and questions about the H2Oviedo Water Conservation Incentive Program, contact Jay Stainer, Water Conservation Coordinator at 407-971-5691.
**Please note the Crossroads Newsletter contains an error as to the dates applications can be dropped off. The correct information is contained in this article. (You must hand deliver your completed application to the receptionist at City Hall (first floor) beginning August 5th, 2008. Applications will not be processed until October 1st, 2008.)**
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