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Tampa Bay Water reports growth in Tampa Bay WaterWise rebates, board approves one‑year no‑cost extension with district
Summary
Staff reported cumulative savings of about 0.69 million gallons per day from the Tampa Bay WaterWise rebate program and an estimated program cost of $0.78 per 1,000 gallons; the board approved a no‑cost one‑year extension (3rd amendment) to the cooperative funding agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Amelia Brown, demand management program manager, presented year‑end results for the Tampa Bay WaterWise rebate program and asked the board to approve a no‑cost extension to the cooperative funding agreement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Brown said the program’s cumulative savings at the end of fiscal year 2024 were about 0.69 million gallons per day and that the program’s unit cost was roughly $0.78 per 1,000 gallons — well below commonly cited costs for new supply development. “This program is a benefit to all the members and their customers in part because it reduces the need for capital investments in the future,” Brown said.
Brown told the board the program now shows more than 23,000 devices rebated to date and that program year 2024 saw a roughly 300% increase in devices installed compared with 2023; much of that growth came from multifamily and commercial marketing efforts. She said storm impacts delayed some large projects last year but those projects are now complete and their savings will be recorded soon.
Staff recommended Board approval of the third amendment (no‑cost extension) to Cooperative Funding Agreement number 21CF0003454 with the Southwest Florida Water Management District to extend program implementation through December 2025 so staff can apply for a new round of funding in 2026. A board motion to approve the extension was moved and seconded and recorded as passed (vote recorded by board clerk).
Board members praised the program’s recent growth and discussed outreach opportunities to reach homeowners rebuilding after storms, multi‑family customers, hotels and other commercial sectors. Brown said staff has added outreach capacity and hired a second outreach manager to focus on commercial and institutional customers.
