MANASOTA & PEACE RIVER BBDs Meeting Notebook 10-21-09.docx

B277
Florida Water Star Gold Certification
Project Type Basin Initiatives
AOR(s)
Water Supply, Water Quality, Natural Systems
Basin(s) General Fund (District), Alafia River, Hillsborough River, Coastal Rivers, Pinellas-Anclote River,
Withlacoochee River, Peace River, Manasota
Cooperator(s)
Project Manager DURELL, SYLVIA
Task Manager(s)
Status Ongoing
Description
Florida Water StarSM Gold (FWSG), a Basin Initiative project, is a higher-tier version of the Florida Water StarSM
(FWS) program, which was originated by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD). SJRWMD's
program is now referred to as the silver level. Both certification programs provide incentives for builders and
developers to include indoor and outdoor water efficiency in their new projects. The gold level was adapted to reflect
the advanced level of best management practices being used by builders in this District including criteria that will
reduce impacts to water quality. This higher level of commitment by the builders comes from education on
Florida-friendly landscaping provided within this District for the past several years. In addition, closer alignment with the
best management practices of the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences' Florida-Friendly
LandscapingTM principles was necessary. This alignment also led to the added benefit of follow-up visits by FYN
coordinators to new homeowners of FWSG homes to ensure that the water-conserving components of the home are
maintained correctly. FYN coordinators will also act as a resource to area builders and landscape professionals for
FWSG. Currently, only FWSG is being promoted in this District. Feasibility of the delivery of a residential FWS
program (Bronze) in this District is being explored. This is the second year of the FWSG program. As of the end of
FY2009, four properties have been certified FWSG and 11 companies have signed contracts to build 216 homes
under the program. Sixty houses are expected to be built as FWSG by fiscal year end.
Benefits
By providing an incentive for builders, developers and homeowners that encourages them to incorporate best
management practices, the District realizes water savings and water quality protection. The demand for water
continues to increase with the expansion in land development, building construction and increased population.
Recognizing that the majority of decisions concerning new landscapes are made by builders, developers,
and landscape and irrigation professionals, the FWSG program provides a plan they can follow that positively impacts
water resources. Because of its high profile and the involvement of the water management districts, this program is of
high interest to the target audience. By requiring water-conserving elements for certification, this project increases
knowledge of water conservation measures of builders and landscape and irrigation specialists. Changes in
behavior occur when a builder signs a contract with the District to build houses according to the FWSG criteria, and
agrees thereafter to include water conserving elements into future projects. Owners of FWSG properties receive the
benefits of the indoor and outdoor water-conserving elements of the program and can promote the certification as a
marketing edge at time of resale. The program's close partnership with the Florida Green Building Coalition
(FGBC) resulted in FWSG outdoor water conservation criteria being incorporated into the FGBC standards.
Costs
The total cost of the FY2010 program is $100,000, with the District contributing $50,000 and the Basin Boards
contributing $50,000 (Alafia River $3,500; Hillsborough River $12,000; Coastal Rivers $4,500; Pinellas-Anclote River
$11,500; Withlacoochee River $3,500; Peace River $7,500; Manasota $7,500). Funding provides for salary and travel
for a project coordinator to manage the program, advertising costs to promote the program, memberships in trade and
professional associations and fees associated with trade shows and other promotional opportunities for outreach to all
basins. The dollar amount allocated per contributing basin is based on population. The budget lines below include
costs for staff to manage the project.
Additional Information
The total cost of the FY2009 program was $100,000, with the District contributing $50,000 and the Basin Boards
contributing $50,000 (Alafia River $3,500; Hillsborough River $12,000; Coastal Rivers $4,500; Pinellas-Anclote River
$11,500; Withlacoochee River $3,500; Peace River $7,500; Manasota $7,500). This is the second year of funding for
the FWSG Certification program. FWSG supports the Governor's Climate Change Initiative by promoting public
protection, wise use and management of natural resources. A residential FWS program (Bronze) and programs for
commercial buildings and communities are being developed and piloted by SJRWMD, with input from SFWMD and
this District.
020 - Peace River Basin 147