Water-Saving Rebates

The Citrus County Utilities Division in Florida has begun offering its customers rebates of up to $100 as an incentive to replace, among other water-saving devices, moisture sensors for irrigation systems.

Citrus County Utilities has offered these rebates for the past several years in an effort to reduce the amount of potable water its customers use. ''This year, we would like to increase the amount of toilet and soil moisture sensor rebates issued,'' said Citrus County Water Conservation Coordinator Debra Burden. Landscape contractors can use these rebates to help convince their clients to upgrade to more environmentally friendly irrigation systems.

Soil-moisture sensors hooked to an irrigation system can put a huge dent in homeowners' utility bills - and help conserve water, according to a 2005 University of Florida study. The study found that most moisture sensors tested, produced water savings between 69 percent and 92 percent, compared to irrigated grass watered without the help of sensors.

''It's just smart to install a moisture sensor,'' said Burden, ''not only can it reduce one's monthly utility bill, but the county is practically paying its users to install them.''

For details about qualifying rebate products, and to download an application, visit Water Resources' website at: www.bocc.citrus.fl.us.