Tampa Bay WaterWise program reports more than 1 million gpd lifetime savings; expands rebates

Amelia Brown, Demand Management Program Manager, updated the board Nov. 17 on Tampa Bay Water's WaterWise conservation program and year‑end results.

Brown said the program’s lifetime savings now exceed 1,000,000 gallons per day after about 37,000 devices were installed, and that the program aims to save nearly 4,000,000 gpd by 2030. "Typical reductions are 30 to 70%" at properties where fixture and irrigation improvements were made, Brown said, and she added the program’s cost of about $0.74 per thousand gallons saved compares favorably to the $4–$12 per thousand gallons cost of new supply development.

Program changes this year include a pilot sprinkler‑system rebate for homeowners, increased toilet rebates ($100–$200 per toilet for purchases Nov. 1–May) and expanded outreach to multifamily and commercial property owners. Board members asked about targeting multifamily complexes and how savings are measured; Brown said billing data are used and there is a time lag of 6–12 months between project completion and measured savings.

Next steps: Staff will monitor the pilot rebate outcomes and report back on participation and measured savings.