MELBOURNE, Fla. — The City of Melbourne is offering $50 rebates to residential water customers who install qualifying water-saving features, including rain barrels, high-efficiency toilets and composters.
The program is intended to encourage water conservation while helping protect the Indian River Lagoon from stormwater runoff and chemical pollution, city officials said.
Rebates are available to residents within Melbourne city limits through Sept. 30, 2027, or until funding runs out.
Homeowners who install a new rain barrel holding at least 40 gallons can qualify for the $50 rebate. The city estimates rain barrels can save about 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months by collecting rainfall before it enters the drainage system.
Customers who receive their water bill directly from the city may also qualify by replacing older toilets. Toilets installed before 1994 must be replaced with a WaterSense-certified model using 1.28 gallons per flush or less.
Replacing a toilet from the 1980s can save a family of four about 25,000 gallons of water each year, according to the city.
The city is also offering rebates for composters with a capacity of at least 30 gallons. Compost can help landscaping soil hold moisture and nutrients, reducing irrigation needs and limiting fertilizer runoff into storm drains.
Residents may receive one rebate per customer account or physical address.
Application packets are available through the city’s Environmental Community Outreach Division at 321-608-5080 or rebates@mlbfl.org.
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