WATERING RESTRICTIONS

The City of St. Petersburg has been declared a water shortage area by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Water shortage restrictions have been placed on outdoor use to conserve water. To find out about current restrictions and to learn about the latest water conservation measures, please call the Water Resources Department at (727) 893-7261 or visit the web site at http://www.stpete.org/h2oregs.htm If you live outside of St. Petersburg city limits, please contact Pinellas County or Southwest Florida Water Management District for information on water restrictions in your area.

IS YOUR BILL TOO HIGH?

High Consumption Inspections

Our Utility Accounts Inspectors can come to your property to inspect the water meter, verify your meter reading, look for signs of a leak outside your home or place of business and discuss your water consumption history. High consumption inspections cost $10.00 which would be included in your monthly utility bill.

Leak Detection Tips:

Are you concerned about your bill? You are billed for all water registered on the water meter whether it is used or lost due to leaks. Water consumption, or usage, is indicated on your utility statement. To obtain your consumption between billings, subtract the prior month's reading from the current reading and add two zeros to the result. If you notice your water consumption climbing, follow these tips to find the source of involuntary water loss:

1. Turn off all water supply sources. First, make sure no water is being used inside or outside of the home.
2. Locate the water meter. Most residential meters are located in a concrete box near the street in front of your home in a direct line with a water spigot. If you have a multi-family or commercial property, the meter is generally located near the front edge of the property, above the ground.
3. Observe your meter. Examine your meter for indications of a leak:
   - Locate the number bar, the red flow indicator triangle, and sweep hand. If either is moving, you have a leak. Double check to make sure you have turned off all water inside and outside the house. If so, you should start the process of elimination (Steps 4 through 7).
   - If nothing is moving, record the numbers on the number bar and wait 1 hour.
   - At the end of 1 hour, return and take note of the numbers again. If they've changed, you have a leak and should start the process of elimination.
4. Check the toilets. The toilet is the most common source of a leak. To test, place some food coloring in the tank and wait 15 minutes. If any color shows up in the toilet bowl, you have a toilet leak. Most toilet leaks can be fixed easily by replacing the toilet flapper. This can be purchased at any hardware or home improvement store. Be sure to flush again after testing to avoid stains.
5. Check the faucets, tubs, and showers. Next, check other indoor fixtures for leaks. Most of these leaks can be fixed inexpensively by replacing the O-ring or washer inside of the water valve. Most hardware or home improvement stores can supply you with these items as well as give instructions on locating and replacing them.
6. Check your water softener. Most softeners have a bypass lever. Turn the lever to allow water to bypass the softener. Check the red flow indicator triangle at the meter. If the triangle is no longer moving, you have isolated a leak at the softener. You can also check water-cooled air conditioners, ice machines, and reverse osmosis units in the same way.
7. Check the main service line. Locate your water shutoff valve. This is usually in your front yard near the sewer riser cap. Shut off the valve, which will temporarily stop the water supply to your home, and go into the house and turn on a faucet to make sure the water is off. Go back to the meter and check the flow indicator triangle. If it's moving, the leak is located between the shutoff valve and the meter.
8. Fixing your leak. Be sure to close your meter lid to prevent damage to the meter cap and to prevent stepping into the box accidentally. If you are not able to find and repair the leak yourself, call a licensed plumber to diagnose and fix the problem.

SURPRISING WATER FACTS

You May Be Wasting Water

• A normal faucet runs at the rate of 3 to 5 gallons a minute.
• Unrestricted shower heads run at 5 to 10 gallons a minute.
• A five minute shower uses 25 to 50 gallons of water.
• A regular bathtub filled full takes 30 gallons of water. Garden tubs typically use 50 or more gallons.
• One toilet flushing requires 5 to 7 gallons of water.
• Normal dishwasher loads require at least 15 gallons of water.
• Each load of laundry normally requires about 50 or more gallons of water.
• If you water your lawn with City water, chances are this is your biggest use of water. Typically, at least 50% of water consumption by households is outside the home. Inside, bathroom fixtures account for approximately 75% of the water used.

WATER SAVING TIPS

General Water Saving Tips

• Be aware of and follow all water conservation and water shortage rules in effect in your community.
• Report all significant water losses (broken pipes, open hydrants, erratic sprinklers, etc.) to the property owner, local authorities, or your water management district.
• Support projects that will lead to an increased use of reclaimed water for irrigation and other uses.
• Encourage your friends and neighbors to be part of a water-conscious community. Promote water conservation in community newsletters, online bulletin boards, and by example. Encourage your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to do their part.
• Conserve water even when someone else is footing the bill, such as during a hotel stay.

Inside Conservation Tips

• Never pour water down the drain when you could use it for another purpose such as watering a plant or garden, or for cleaning purposes.
• Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers immediately. If your faucet is dripping at a rate of one drop per second, you are paying for an additional 2,700 gallons of water per year.
• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors to slow the flow of water.
• If the toilet handle frequently sticks in the flush position letting water run constantly, replace or adjust it.
• Install a toilet dam or displacement device such as a bag or bottle to cut down on the amount of water needed for each flush. Be sure the device doesn't interfere with the operating parts.
• When replacing a toilet, consider low-volume units which use less than half the water of older models.
• Take shorter showers.
• Replace your shower head with an ultra-low-flow version.
• Place a bucket on the floor while taking a shower to catch excess water and use it to water plants. The same technique is effective while washing dishes or vegetables in the kitchen sink.
• In the shower, turn water on to get wet; turn off to lather up; then turn back on to rinse off. Use the same method while washing your hair. Some shower units are available that allow you to cut off the flow of water without adjusting the water temperature knobs.
• Operate automatic dishwashers and clothes washers only when they are fully loaded. Set the water level for the correct size load you are washing.
• When washing dishes by hand, fill one sink or basin with soapy water to wash. Rinse quickly using a slow-moving stream of water from the faucet.
• Store drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the tap run while waiting for cool water to flow.
• Don't use running water to thaw meat or other frozen foods. Defrost foods overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
• Garbage disposals require lots of water to operate properly. Start a compost pile instead. Disposals can also add 50% of the volume of solids in the sewer system or it can lead to problems with septic tanks.
• Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink so you don't have to let the water run while it heats up.
• Insulate your water pipes. You'll get hot water faster and avoid wasting water while it heats up.
• Don't let water run while shaving or washing your face. Brush your teeth first while waiting for water to get hot, then wash or shave after filling the sink.
• Avoid flushing the toilet unnecessarily. Dispose of tissues, insects and similar waste material in the trash rather than the toilet.

Outside Conservation Tips

• When washing the car, use soap and water from a bucket. Use a hose with a shut-off nozzle for the final rinse.
• Use a broom instead of a spray of water to clean your driveway.
• Adjust sprinklers to avoid the house, sidewalk, driveway, and street.
• Avoid sprinkling on windy days.
• Check and maintain your sprinkler system regularly.
• Find out what days you're designated to water at http://www.stpete.org/h2oregs.htm and follow the schedule as dictated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
• Minimize grass areas in your yard. Less grass means less water demand.
• When mowing, raise the blade on your lawn mower to at least three inches high, or to its highest level. Closely cut grass causes the roots to require more water.
• For landscaping, use native or other low water use plants. Check with your local nursery for the best native or xeriscaping trees, shrubs, and plants.
• Use a layer of mulch around plants to reduce evaporation and promote plant growth For additional information on water conservation, see http://www.stpete.org/waterweb.htm