The Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (EPD) received funding from the St. Johns River Water Management District to offer a 50% rebate, up to $2,000 to property owners that work with “SWAP Shops” to cap, reduce, or remove irrigation (while funds are available through January 2019). The program is open to homeowners, commercial properties, and Homeowner Associations within Alachua County, including the municipalities.
“Newer homes with irrigation systems can use over 350 gallons per day on average,” said Water Conservation Coordinator with the Alachua County Environmental Protection Department Stacie Greco. “The goal of the Turf SWAP program is to help property owners replace part of their high water use landscapes with those that demand less water and fertilizer.”
Participants are encouraged to call EPD staff at 352-264-6800 to make sure they fully understand the program requirements before making changes in their landscapes. Work must be conducted by qualified SWAP Shops and must include at least partial reduction of traditional irrigation.
Learn more about the rebate program and conserving water.
For more information, contact Alachua County Water Resources staff at 352-264-6800 or sgreco@alachuacounty.us.