Water conservation

Water conservation cost-share program

Section I: Background

St. Johns River Water Management District partners with water supply utilities, local governments and other entities on a wide range of water conservation activities. The following types of projects are eligible for cost-share program funding:

• Implementation of water conservation best management practices
• Automated tracking of customer consumption data
• Implementation of landscape irrigation ordinances and related education efforts
• Other technologies and practices

For more information, see Project descriptions.

Section II: Available funds and distribution guidelines

Projects are eligible to receive up to a 50 percent cost-share on the basis of a negotiated, performance-based contract and a commitment to continuous monitoring of equipment and project performance metrics. No maximum award value has been set for individual projects. However, cost-share amounts of less than 50 percent may be available for higher cost projects to support a larger number of projects. Funds will be released (reimbursed) on a quarterly basis upon completion of project components and evidence of payment by the cost-share recipient.

In-kind services are generally allowed as a match to District funds. Recipient’s in-kind labor services (i.e., labor from recipient) will be calculated based upon the base salary times a 1.5 fixed multiplier.

All recipients shall demonstrate an ongoing commitment to water conservation prior to receipt of cost-share funds. This commitment may be demonstrated in any of the following ways:

• Adopting and actively enforcing a landscape irrigation ordinance to fully implement the landscape irrigation provisions in District Rule 40C-2.042(2), Florida Administrative Code, and which does not in any manner regulate the consumptive use of water
• Preparing and implementing a goal-based water conservation plan to analyze account-level billing data and site-specific land use
• Adopting aggressive rate structures for potable and reclaimed water, including metering of all customers
• Achieving and maintaining low, historical per capita water use

Recipients have 180 days following Governing Board authorization of a cost-share project to demonstrate one of the above types of commitment; however, this time frame may be extended by the District upon a showing of good cause, within the District’s sole discretion and judgment.

If a local government chooses to demonstrate its commitment to water conservation by adoption of a landscape irrigation ordinance, as referenced above, all funding is contingent upon the ordinance remaining in effect during the term of the agreement. If the ordinance is repealed or modified such that it no longer meets the cost-share program requirements, then funding shall immediately cease.

To ensure that the ordinance meets the above requirements, the recipient shall submit the draft ordinance to the District’s project manager not less than 30 days prior to the first reading of the ordinance, with a copy to Malissa Dillon, mdillon@sjrwmd.com, Office of Communications and Intergovernmental Affairs, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, FL 32177-2529.

Section III: Instructions for completing applications

1. Complete the entire application. Do not leave parts of the application form blank, even if it is necessary to refer to attachments for additional detail. Be sure to attach all supporting materials. The application form must be complete and needs to include sufficient supporting information to assess the project. Do not assume reviewers are knowledgeable of practices, issues or factors involved with your type of project. Refer to appendixes A to D for useful guidelines.
2. Follow additional instructions given in the application form.
3. Deliver your application. Preference is for submission via electronic delivery, in PDF format, to Don Brandes at dbrandes@sjrwmd.com. Hard copy applications may also be sent to St. Johns River Water Management District, 4049 Reid Street, Palatka, FL 32177-2529, to the attention of Don Brandes.
4. Provide a project budget summary. Provide a one-page budget summary, by project task and date, listing all project expenses when they are expected to occur.
5. Submit specifications and plans. Submit project graphics, preferably geographic information system (GIS)-based, with sufficient detail that District staff will understand what is to be implemented, demonstrated or installed, and include a one-page summary of project equipment and materials. Provide images in an 8½- by 11-inch format.
6. Submit location map. Submit an 8½- by 11-inch map that identifies the physical location of the project, showing highway intersections or other recognizable landmarks. Clearly indicate the total project area and whether it crosses water management district jurisdictions.

Optional pre-submittal completeness review: Applicants are encouraged to contact Don Brandes at dbrandes@sjrwmd.com or (386) 329-4126 for an optional, pre-submittal completeness review.

The St. Johns River Water Management District reserves the right, at its
sole discretion, to reject any and all applications received, without penalty.