Watering Restrictions

Regional Water Restrictions Have Been Tightened

The Tampa Bay Region continues to experience below normal rain fall with regional water supplies being strained. At the request of Tampa Bay Water, our regional supplier, the Southwest Florida Water Management District issued a modification to the Water Shortage Order (07-02). In addition to continuing to restrict outdoor watering to one-day-per-week, local governments are to strictly enforce the following rules pursuant to a vote by the Governing Board approving the tightening of water restrictions in the Tampa Bay region. This order remains in effect until June 30, 2009, unless modified by the District. On December 16, 2008 the Board voted to allow a revised variance process for new construction and landscape renovation. The details are below.

Please note, the following restrictions on outdoor water use 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 in your area.

IMPORTANT NEWS – In addition to continuing to

restrict watering to one-day-per-week,

local governments are to enforce the following rules.

New Outdoor Water Restrictions:

- -An automatic shutoff device must be installed on your hose and used at all times:

- Hand watering of non-lawn landscape is prohibited from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

- Hand watering of lawn / turf is allowed ONLY during your designated watering day and times (see chart).

- Micro-irrigation (low-flow or drip irrigation) is prohibited from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

- Aesthetic fountains and waterfalls, including for aeration of stormwater ponds (unless augmented by reclaimed water) shall be operated no more than four (4) hours per day.

- Irrigation of new sod installations and lawn renovations (sod, plugs, and other turfgrass material) requires a variance from the St. Petersburg's Water Resources Department and is limited to the following watering schedule during establishment:

A 30-day variance may be obtained by calling 892-5020 or emailing WRDCustomerService@stpete.org and submitting appropriate documentation along with the customer's 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.

- On days 1-15, beginning the day of installation, the new or replacement turfgrass may be watered every day of the week during designated hours (5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and/or 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.).

- On days 16-30, the new or replacement turfgrass may be watered every other day during designated hours. Even-numbered addresses may only water on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Odd-numbered addresses may only water on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

No Warnings! Violations observed by Enforcement Personnel will result in a citation. A violation is subject to a fine plus court costs. 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.

For additional information, call:

Water Watch Info Line at 892-5300.

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 as follows:

ALLOWABLE WATERING DAYS-BASED ON PROPERTY ADDRESS

IRRIGATION TYPE	MON	TUES	WED	THUR	FRI	SAT	SUN
Potable Water						EVEN	ODD
Private Well & Surface Water						EVEN	ODD

Irrigation is allowed from 5 to 9 a.m. and/or from 7 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 and locations with no address may irrigate on Sunday only.

Check your rain sensor to assure it is functioning properly. Residents may obtain one free of charge by visiting the Water Resources Department at 1635 Third Avenue North between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Registration of private wells aids our department in identifying location and usage of private wells, helps identify possible locations for future private wells, and assists water restriction enforcment staff in accurate reporting. To learn more about registering your private well call 893-7261 or visit www.stpete.org/privatewell.asp.

Reporting a Watering Restriction Violation: If you observe a violation of current watering restrictions within the city limits of St. Petersburg, you may call 892-5300 or email WRDCustomerService@stpete.org and leave the following information.

Location. Please leave an exact address (if available).
Nature of Violation. Briefly describe the violation you observed.
Day of week and time of day violation was observed.
Details of your observation are appreciated and assist Enforcement Personnel.

Thank you for doing your part to save our valuable water resources. For literature on water conservation techniques, call 892-5018 or email WRDCustomerService@stpete.org

Obtaining Variance from St. Petersburg's

Watering Restrictions

Variances may be granted pursuant to Section 27-47 of St. Petersburg City Code with in the guidelines of current water restrictions. If watering of newly installed turf and plants requires alteration from the watering restrictions, a temporary variance is necessary. This variance must be requested by contacting the Water Resources Department and requires appropriate documentation accompany the request. Call 892-5020 or email WRDCustomerService@stpete.org. Please provide your name, complete address phone number, and the area relandscaped. Only one variance is allowed within a six month period. No extensions will be granted.

Requests for other types of variances must be made in writing to the Watering Restrictions Office, Water Resources Department, 1635 Third Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713. Please include a telephone number where you can be reached during the day to allow staff to discuss your request, if needed.

General Outdoor Water Use Restrictions

The Southwest Florida Water Management District and St. Petersburg currently also have the following restrictions in effect:

Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited.
Use of an automatic shutoff device is required when hand-watering plants.
Watering-in of lawn chemicals is allowed within District guidelines.
An automatic shutoff device must be used when washing vehicles no more than once a week.
Pressure washing and washing of buildings for paint preparation or for health and safety reasons is allowed.
Cleaning and maintenance of an irrigation system is limited to once a week. An attendant must be present.

If you have additional questions about water use in our District, call 1-800-423-1476 or visit http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/restrictions/

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.

Irrigation is suggested from 5 to 9 a.m. and 7 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. .

Call 892-5018 or email WRDCustomerService@stpete.org

to obtain a copy of St. Petersburg's Landscape Plant Guide for Yards with Reclaimed Water. This publication is designed to assist reclaimed water customers in the selection of suitable plants and provides recommendations for efficient use of this resource. Please leave your name, address and phone number.

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 or email WRDCustomerService@stpete.org. 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.