Alachua County Seeking Landscaping Professionals for Turf SWAP Rebate Program

Press release from Alachua County

Alachua County Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has received funding from the Suwannee River Water Management District and Florida Department of Environmental Protection through the Public Supply Efficiencies Fund to continue the Turf SWAP Landscaping Retrofit program.

The aim of the Turf SWAP program is to reduce water use and limit the use of landscape chemicals while beautifying properties. A 50% rebate, up to $1,500, will be available to property owners that hire participating “SWAP Shops” to make water-saving landscaping retrofits through May 2021. The anticipated launch of the program is early summer, and rebate funds will be available to homeowners, commercial properties, and Homeowner Associations within Alachua County, including the municipalities. Work must be conducted by qualified SWAP Shops and must include at least partial reduction of traditional irrigation.

Landscapers and irrigation specialists interested in becoming an approved SWAP Shop must be a Florida Water Star Accredited Professional and attend one virtual Turf SWAP training with EPD staff. Training will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, and at 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2020. Contact Hollie Greer at hgreer@alachuacounty.us to register.

“Newer homes with irrigation systems can use over 350 gallons of water per day,” said Alachua County Environmental Protection Department’s Water Resources Program Manager Stacie Greco. She continued, “The goal of the Turf SWAP program is to help property owners replace part of their high water use landscapes with those that require less water and fertilizer.”

To learn more about water conservation, eligibility for the rebate program, or to sign up for Turf SWAP updates visit the My Yard Our Water website or contact Alachua County Water Resources staff at 352-264-6827 or hgreer@alachuacounty.us.