Mission: To protect Volusia County's water resources for current and future users by expanding water and wastewater facilities to accommodate new development and allow for elimination of package plants and septic systems, and plan stormwater projects to reduce flooding and treat stormwater runoff.

This division, which provides water to nearly 16,000 homes in Volusia County, has launched numerous programs to help residents conserve our most valuable natural resource, water. Current programs include:

Rain barrel information
Residential irrigation can account for 50 percent or more of residential water use. Rain barrels store water and help to decrease demand during the summer. Collection of water from rooftop runoff can provide an ample supply of free “soft water” containing no chlorine, lime or calcium. Collecting this water will reduce your demand for treated tap water and save you money. Rainwater diversion also will help decrease the burden on water treatment facilities and limited groundwater supplies. Storage of rainwater also is recommended for general emergency preparedness or for areas prone to drought. A good formula to remember: one inch of rain on a 1,000-square-foot roof yields 623 gallons of water. Calculate the yield of the roof by multiplying the square footage of the roof by 623 and then dividing by 1,000. Information about rain barrels can be found at www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/rainbarrel.

Low-flow toilets
Since the mid-1990s, all new toilets have been redesigned to conserve water, using 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Older models use three gallons or more per flush. Volusia County Water Resources and Utilities offers its customers a $50 credit to their water bill if they install a new ultra-low-flow toilet.  Rebate is available for toilets that use 1.28 gallons or less.

High-efficiency washing machines.
The washing machine is the second largest user of water in the home, preceded only by the toilet. Because of this, Volusia County Water Resources and Utilities supports a rebate program for its customers who purchase qualifying, high-efficiency clothes washing machines. A credit is applied to the utility bill. The list of qualified machines with name brands and model numbers is available by contacting Volusia County Water Resources and Utilities. Rebates are issued for the machines listed most efficient by the Consortium for EnergyStar. Purchase of a high-efficient washing machine must be made between Oct. 1, 2009, and Sept. 30, 2010.

Rain garden gift certificate.
Also called bio retention areas, rain gardens are wet gardens created from a manmade or natural depression in your yard. They redirect rainwater from a downspout or a roof. The diverted water is allowed to settle and slowly percolate into the soil instead of running off the property and heading directly to the stormwater system, collecting pollutants on the way and heading toward waterways in your community. Creating a rain garden requires nothing more high tech than a spade, a plan and plants that can tolerate wet and dry conditions. Florida has a great wealth of native plants that can tolerate these conditions. Native plants are adapted to climate and soil conditions of a given area and usually have fewer pest problems. They attract birds, butterflies and small mammals creating a small wildlife area that otherwise may be driven away due to development. A rain garden planted with native plants is just the ticket to enhance your yard. Volusia County Water Resources and Utilities offers a $50 gift certificate to offset the planting of Florida friendly native plants. Demonstration rain gardens can be seen at the Volusia County Library Center at City Island, DeLand Area Public Library and the DeBary Public Library.

Irrigation audit incentive.
Volusia County Utility customers using potable or reclaimed water for irrigation are eligible for a visit from a trained irrigation auditor. During a one-hour visit, the auditor can evaluate the condition of the customer’s irrigation system, assess its operation and possible need for repairs, and recommend changes in a detailed report that can help save water and money. Typical recommendations might included improved maintenance procedures, cost-effective changes in irrigation equipment, and better irrigation scheduling. The cost to the customer is just $25.

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