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Funding Agreement With Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority for Regional Irrigation Evaluation Program (Phase 9)
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Hernando County Utilities Department (HCUD) partners with the Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority (WRWSA) to help high-water-use customers conserve water through the Regional Irrigation Evaluation Program. Participants receive either a core evaluation, which includes an irrigation system assessment, site-specific recommendations, rain sensor installation if needed, and Florida-Friendly Landscaping materials, or an enhanced evaluation that may also include upgrades, irrigation repairs, and other improvements. Previous program phases achieved a more than 20% reduction in use among participants.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES
Strategic Theme: C - Stewardship of Natural Resources
GOAL C.1 Protect Water Quality
OBJECTIVE C.1.1 Establish and promote policies or projects aimed at promoting the health and longevity of water resources, with measurable progress reviewed annually and aligned with state and federal guidance
FINANCIAL IMPACT
WRWSA and Hernando County will enter into a funding agreement where HCUD would fund $12,000 from:
Fund: B411 - HCUD-Water & Sewer Fund, Department: 213 - HCUD-Water Conservation, Function: 53700 - Conservation & Resources, Account: 533406 - Contracted Services - Programming.
The WRWSA would fund $36,000 for a total project cost of $48,000 ($12,000 from HCUD and $36,000 from WRWSA). This will cover an estimated 10 core and 86 enhanced irrigation system water audits on single-family residential properties.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has authority to act on this matter pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board approve and authorize the Chairman’s signature on the attached funding agreement with the WRWSA for the Regional Irrigation Evaluation Program (Phase 9).