On one of my many field adventures this summer I was able coordinate
an impromptu visit with some of the team that comprises UF/IFAS Manatee County’s Mobile Irrigation Lab (MIL). I was working near their next residential irrigation
evaluation, and they were kind enough to let me stop by to shoot video and
pepper them with questions.
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| Your mobile irrigation lab's mobile irrigation lab |
Statewide
Rebate and cost-share programs that encourage outdoor water
conservation are widespread in Florida. Many programs promote the use of smart irrigation technology (soil moisture sensors and weather-based irrigation
controllers), rain sensors, or replacing irrigated turf with non-irrigated Florida-Friendly Landscaping.
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| L to R: irrigation rebate program examples from Miami-Dade County and Orange County |
The idea is to improve overall system efficiency (often among especially
extravagant water users) and save water.
Kind of a Big Deal
Manatee County Utilities Department funds such a program as
well, and lore has it that it’s the best in the state – offering sizable
incentives for practical system upgrades, and cementing the save water ethic with mandatory educational classes for participants.
So I had to see it for myself and the MIL,
who evaluate the irrigation systems and make the rebate-worthy recommendations,
were just the people to talk to.
Screen the video below. Learn more about Manatee County’s
rebate programs here.
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