Watering Restrictions

ONCE A WEEK WATER RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT

Due to below normal rainfall, reduced river flows, and increasing water supply concerns, the Southwest Florida Water Management District has enacted Phase 3 Water Shortage Order 2013-006.  Once a week watering restrictions will be in effect until July 31, 2013 for the Tampa Bay region, unless altered by the District. This declaration requires the city of St. Petersburg to restrict watering with potable (city) water, private well water, and private connections to surface water sources (lakes, ponds, etc.) to once a week.

Key Water Shortage Order Information

Please note that the restrictions detailed below are for St. Petersburg water customers located within city limits only. If you live outside city limits or receive your water bill from another entity, please check with your municipality, Pinellas County, or the SWFWMD for current water restrictions for your location.

Lawn and Landscape Water Use Rules - Potable, Private Well, and Surface Water Sources

Watering with potable (city) water, water from private wells or private connections to surface water sources (lakes, ponds, etc.) is restricted according to property address number as follows:

• Irrigation of established lawns and landscapes is restricted to once a week for all water sources except reclaimed water.
• Addresses ending in an even number, or the letters A through M, may irrigate on Saturday Only
• Addresses ending in an odd number, or the letters N through Z, may irrigate on Sunday Only
• Watering hours are from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

Other Lawn and Landscape Water Use Rules – Potable, Private Well, and Surface Water Sources

• Hand watering of non-lawn landscape is allowed any day, if needed, but is now prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. An automatic shutoff device (hose nozzle) must be installed on your hose and used at all times.
• Hand watering of lawn/turf is restricted to one day a week during designated hours on assigned day (see above).
• Micro-irrigation (low-flow or drip irrigation) is allowed any day, if needed, but is now prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Other Water Use Rules

• Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited.
• Use of an automatic shutoff device (hose nozzle) is required when using a hose for any purpose.
• Car washing is allowed once a week, on the location's designated watering day. The use of an automatic shutoff device is required.
• Large Aesthetic Fountains and Waterfalls shall be operated for no more than four (4) hours per day, and the hours must be posted. Exemptions can be found at www.watermatters.org
• Cleaning and maintenance of an irrigation system is limited to once a week. An attendant must be present. Run times cannot exceed ten (10) minutes per zone.
• Boat washing and motor flushing are allowed after usage.
• Chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides applied to lawn or plants by a hired professional shall be watered in according to manufacturer's instructions within 24 hours after application. A sign showing the date of application must be visible in the yard. Allowable hours must still be followed (5 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.). Chemical treatments not applied by a hired professional must be watered-in on designated watering day, during allowable times for the address.

For more information check out the Water Restriction Fact Sheet

Variance Rules for Watering New/Replacement Lawns and New Landscape Plants

Irrigation of new plants, new sod installations, and lawn renovations (sod, plugs, and other turfgrass material) with potable (city) water, private well water, and private connections to surface water sources (lakes, ponds, etc.) requires a variance granted by St. Petersburg's Water Resources Department. The new plant material may be watered on any day of the week; however, allowable watering hours are 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

This 30-day variance may be obtained by calling 893-7261 and submitting appropriate documentation along with the request. Include your name, address and phone number. Eligibility requirements apply. Only one variance is allowed within a six month period. No extensions will be granted.

Users of Reclaimed Water - Voluntary Restrictions

St. Petersburg customers using reclaimed water for irrigation are not currently restricted. However, residents are asked to be "water wise" and water no more than three days per week. Even numbers should irrigate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; odd numbers should irrigate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Irrigation is suggested from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Watering during the heat of the day is inefficient as much of the water used is lost to evaporation and wind drift.

NOTE: During dry seasons and periods of drought, mandatory restrictions on the use of reclaimed water may be authorized by the Mayor and City Council, pursuant to Section 27-170 of City Code.

Enforcement of Watering Restrictions

St. Petersburg continues to enforce watering restrictions. All violations observed by enforcement personnel are Class II municipal ordinance offenses; each violation is subject to a fine of at least $180, 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.

For additional information, call the Water Watch Info Line at 892-5300.

Receive a FREE SPRINKLER SYSTEM CHECK-UP! Eligible City water customers with working in-ground irrigation systems using potable, reclaimed, or well water will receive, at no charge, a sprinkler system evaluation with site-specific recommendations, installation of a rain sensor if one is not present, and other items. Available for a limited time; restrictions and specific procedures apply. To be eligible you must be a St. Petersburg residential, multi-family, or commercial water customer using well, potable, or reclaimed water with an operable in-ground sprinkler system. Please call 551-3177 or click here for an application or more information.

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Register Your Private Well

Registration of private wells assists water restriction enforcement staff with accurate reporting. To register your private well, visit www.stpete.org/privatewell.asp or call 893-7261.

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Thank you for doing your part to save our valuable water resources. We encourage all residents to be water efficient. Check for leaks, replace or retrofit fixtures to be more water efficient, install a rain sensor on your sprinkler system, and follow outdoor water restrictions.

For more information on how we can assist you in conserving water, contact the water conservation office at 727-892-5688. Please leave your name, address and phone number.

Information provided becomes part of the public record which citizens have the right to review. Any written or email material received or generated by city Staff or Council Members becomes public record and state law requires the record be made available for inspection upon request.