Pasco County homeowners who water their lawns with potable water can get up to $100 back for a professional sprinkler system checkup.

Pasco County Utilities announced Friday that sprinkler system rebates are available through Tampa Bay Water Wise, a regional conservation program. The rebates cover two items: up to $100 for a professional sprinkler system evaluation, available once per year, and $5 for each high-efficiency rotary nozzle that replaces a less efficient one.

Who qualifies for the rebates

Only single-family homeowners served by Pasco County Utilities who use potable water for irrigation qualify. The utility serves Land O' Lakes, Lutz, Odessa and other unincorporated areas. Homes on reclaimed water, wells or ponds are not eligible. Homeowners associations, community development districts and commercial customers must apply through a separate Customizable Rebate program.

How to apply and get paid

Homeowners must hire a licensed irrigation contractor from the Tampa Bay Water Wise approved list to evaluate their system. The contractor completes the work and provides an itemized receipt and a signed contractor rebate form. Homeowners then apply online and attach the documentation.

The $100 rebate still applies even if the contractor does no work beyond the evaluation.

Rebates are issued as a check or digital payment to the account holder. Checks are not sent to contractors unless the homeowner files a general release form.

Rebates arrive during extreme watering restrictions

The rebates come as the Southwest Florida Water Management District's Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Order remains in effect through Thursday. Under the order, irrigation is allowed only between midnight and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and midnight, on one assigned watering day per week.

Sandra Anderson, Pasco County Utilities' customer information and services director, said in a June 25 county news release on the water shortage that "irrigation often accounts for more than half of a homeowner's water costs, and irrigating efficiently is one of the most effective ways to save water and save money."

The county also offers free on-site irrigation consultations on a first-come, first-served basis to customers with automatic irrigation systems, according to Pasco County's rebates page.

No deadline has been posted. Homeowners can reach Pasco County Utilities at 813-235-6012 or [email protected].