Watering Restrictions

Regional Water Restrictions

As the Tampa Bay region continues to recover from more than three years of below normal rainfall, drinking water supplies remain limited. The Southwest Florida Water Management District has voted to return to Modified Phase II (Severe) Water Restrictions. The current rules remain in effect until February 28, 2010 unless modified by the SWFWMD.

The following rules apply to St. Petersburg water customers located within City limits. If your property is outside the City boundaries, please check with your municipality, Pinellas County, or the SWFWMD for current water restrictions for your area.

Enforcement

St. Petersburg continues to enforce watering restrictions. Violations observed by enforcement personnel will result in the issuance of a Warning Notice. Subsequent violations will result in a Class II municipal ordinance offense that is 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.

Users of Potable (Drinking) Water, Well Water, and Surface Water Sources Must Abide by Modified Phase 2 Restrictions:

Irrigation using potable water, well water, or surface water (lakes, ponds, etc.) sources is limited to once-per-week:

    - Addresses ending with an even number, or the letters A through M, may irrigate on Saturday Only

    - Addresses ending with an odd number, the letters N through Z, or no address, may irrigate on Sunday Only

    - The allowable hours of irrigation are 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Hand Watering of Established Lawns

Using potable water, well water, or surface water for hand-watering established lawns is limited to the once-per-week schedule mentioned above. Allowable times are 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. for properties of any size. These methods include watering lawn/turfgrass using a sprinkling can, a hand-held hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or a hose equipped with a portable sprinkler.

Note: The same lawn area may not be watered by multiple means. You may not use an irrigation system and a hand-held hose to water the same area twice on the given day.

Microirrigation or Hand Watering of Established Landscapes (Non-lawn Areas)

Using potable water, well water, or surface water for irrigation of landscapes (non-lawn) with a sprinkling can, hand watering with a hose equipped with an automatic shut-off nozzle, or microirrigation is allowed at any time, on any day, if needed. Microirrigation includes soaker hoses, drip tubes, microjets and other forms of low-volume irrigation technology.

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.

Establishment of New or Replacement Lawns and New Landscape Plants

Request a Variance for New Plantings

Watering of new plants, new sod installations, and lawn renovations (sod, plugs, and other turfgrass material) requires a variance granted by the St. Petersburg Water Resources Department. A 30-day variance may be requested by calling 892-5020. Please provide your name, address, phone number, and reason for variance. Only one variance is allowed within a six month period. No time extensions will be granted.

Other Water Use Rules

- Large aesthetic fountains and waterfalls shall be operated no more than eight (8) hours per day. Small indoor and backyard fountains may operate at any time.

- Residential car washing is allowed once a week. An automatic shut-off nozzles must be used.
- Charity car washes are allowed. Automatic shut-off nozzles must be used.
- Pressure washing by homeowners is allowed for certain purposes which include:
    o       cleaning to eliminate a safety hazard,
    o       preparation for painting or similar activity,
    o       maintaining a paint or material warranty, and
    o       as needed to meet federal, state or local health and safety standards.

    o      Aesthetic concerns, including those raised by an HOA in accordance with its deed restrictions, do not constitute a "necessary" purpose.

- Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited.
- Use of an automatic shutoff device is required when using a hose for watering, washing, etc.
- Watering-in of lawn chemicals is allowed within District guidelines:

   o      Chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides applied to lawn or landscape plants by a hired professional can be watered in according to manufacturer's instructions within 24 hours of application. A dated chemical advisory sign showing the date of chemical 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.)

    o      Chemical treatments you apply to property owners to lawn or landscape plants must be watered-in on the property's designated watering day, during allowable times for the address.

- Cleaning and maintenance of an irrigation system is limited to once a month. An attendant must be present.
- Boat washing and motor flushing is allowed after usage. Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited.

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

Users of Reclaimed Water

Irrigation with Reclaimed Water – Water Wise Practices

Lawn and landscape irrigation using reclaimed water is not currently restricted. However, residents are asked to be "water wise" and conscious of their use of this valuable resource. Voluntary restrictions for reclaimed water request no more than three days per week by property address: Even numbers should irrigate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Odd numbers should irrigate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

      Large commercial properties, multi-family buildings, schools and government buildings using reclaimed water for irrigation are requested to limit watering to three days per week.

      Golf courses, cemeteries and athletic or recreational facilities are asked to submit irrigation plans demonstrating compliance with best management practices.

                Reclaimed Water - Voluntary Restrictions

Even Addresses or the Letters A through M

Odd Addresses, the Letters N through Z, or No Address

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday ONLY

Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday ONLY

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 27-146 of City Code.

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 hasve 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.