ST. PETERSBURG CUSTOMERS -- TIGHTER WATERING RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT

ST. PETERSBURG (Nov. 3, 2008) -- The Southwest Florida Water Management District's Governing Board voted October 28 to tighten water restrictions for all of Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties since regional water supplies have not returned to pre-drought conditions.

The tighter restrictions continue to limit watering using potable, private well, and surface water sources to one day per week. In addition, hand watering is now prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Automatic shut-off devices must be installed on your hose and be used at all times. Micro-irrigation (low flow or drip irrigation) is also prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Ornamental fountains and waterfalls may not be operated more than four hours per day.

Another change accompanying the tighter restrictions requires that all violations noted will result in citations. No warnings will be issued. Failure to comply with current watering restrictions is a Class II municipal ordinance offense subject to a $175 fine plus court costs. Court costs range from $13 for uncontested violations to $58 for contested violations. Subsequent violations are subject to higher fines as assessed by the court up to a maximum fine of $500 plus court costs.

St. Petersburg's watering days vary from those in surrounding communities. For St. Petersburg water customers located within city limits only, watering is restricted to one day only, and is allowed from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and/or from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Watering of the same area twice within the same day is NOT permitted.

Addresses ending in an even number or the letters A through M may irrigate on Saturday only.

Addresses ending in an odd number, the letters N through Z, or locations with no address water on Sunday only.

For customers with reclaimed water, voluntary three-day-a-week restrictions are also in effect. Even addresses are asked to water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; Odd addresses on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Property owners must avoid turfgrass renovation for the time being. For additional information, please call the Water Watch Info Line at 892-5300, or visit www.stpete.org/water.