Strong working relationships between the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), local governments and water users allow us to share and utilize our knowledge, expertise, and resources to address shared water and land stewardship responsibilities. Intergovernmental communication, cooperation and coordination are vital to meeting the water resource needs of our communities. The SFWMD continues to partner with local governments and other entities to implement water conservation projects and develop alternative water projects. Did you know that the SFWMD has supported alternative water supply and conservation projects for more than two decades?
The SFWMD is dedicated to water supply planning, water conservation, and the development and use of alternative water supplies to supplement our traditional water supply. SFWMD's Alternative Water Supply funding program was established in 1997; our Water Conservation program, formerly known as the Water Savings Incentive Program, was established in 2003.
Thanks to support from the State of Florida, we are able to assist local governments, public and private water providers, and other entities with construction and/or implementation of alternative water supply and water conservation projects that support or complement the District’s mission. In the past two years alone, the District has provided approximately $23 million for 43 alternative water supply and water conservation projects!
Some of the previously funded projects include:
- Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment Plants and raw water supply wells
- Reclaimed Water Treatment Plants and transmission main extensions
- High efficiency indoor plumbing retrofits and/or rebates
- High efficiency outdoor retrofits and/or rebates
- Agricultural irrigation retrofits
- Utility Automatic Line Flushing Device
The application period for alternative water supply and water conservation projects is currently open! To demonstrate their community's commitment to water conservation, all local governments applying for this grant must have an adopted irrigation ordinance that is consistent with the District's year-round Irrigation Rule to be eligible for District funding.
The last virtual informational session will be held online tomorrow, Jan. 26 at 1:30 p.m.
To read more about the program and apply for the funding visit sfwmd.gov/coopfunding. The application period for FY23 funding consideration closes March 1, 2022 at 4 p.m.