Water Conservation

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WATER CONSERVATION

Everyone plays a role in conserving St. Pete’s water. The City of St. Petersburg is here to help with programs, workshops, tips and more for efficient water use.

Programs & Rebates

RAINWATER REBATE PROGRAM

Rebates of $50 or $100 are available to eligible single‑family residential stormwater utility customers when they install rain barrels, rain totes or rain gardens. More at stpete.org/WaterPrograms.

SENSIBLE SPRINKLING PROGRAM

Water customers with in-ground sprinkler systems using potable, reclaimed or well water can receive a free sprinkler system checkup. Participation includes a sprinkler system evaluation with site- specific recommendations, installation of a rain sensor, an automatic shut-off hose nozzle and more. Email SensibleSprinkling@stpete.org or call 727-892-5611 for more information and an application. More at stpete.org/WaterPrograms.

TAMPA BAY WATER WISE REBATE PROGRAM

The City has partnered with Tampa Bay Water to offer additional rebates for water-saving solutions, like high-efficiency toilets, smart irrigation controllers and shallow wells. More at TampaBayWaterWise.org.

Workshops & Presentations

The City of St. Petersburg often hosts free workshops for water-saving topics, like drought tolerant plants, sprinkler systems, implementing rainwater catchment devices, like rain barrels, and more. Details at stpete.org/WaterWorkshops. The City is available to give presentations about water conservation to your group. Reach out to WaterDept@stpete.org for more.

Watering Restrictions & Guidelines

POTABLE, WELL & SURFACE WATER SOURCES

St. Petersburg water customers living within city limits watering with potable (City) water, water from private wells or private connections to surface water sources (lakes, ponds, etc.) must follow St. Pete’s watering restrictions:

  • Water your lawn no more than two days/week
    • Even Addresses: Tuesday and Saturday
    • Odd Addresses: Wednesday and Sunday
  • Water only within 5-9 a.m. or 7-11 p.m. Hand watering of lawn/turf is allowed only during designated watering days and times. Hand watering of non-lawn landscape is allowed any day or time, if needed. An automatic shutoff device must be installed on any hose and used at all times.

RECLAIMED WATER

Reclaimed water is a limited resource. Do your part to ensure there’s enough to go around by following voluntary reclaimed water guidelines.

  • Water your lawn no more than three days/week
    • Even Addresses: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
    • Odd Addresses: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
  • Water within 5-9 a.m. or 7-11 p.m. Additional considerations at stpete.org/WaterRestrictions.

Water-Saving Tips

Everyone knows that taking shorter showers and turning off the tap when not actively using the water are great ways to conserve. Be a good neighbor by following the tips below.

INSIDE

  • Operate the dishwasher and clothes washer only with a full load.
  • Check toilets for leaks at least twice a year. A leaky toilet, usually caused by a warped or poorly fitting flapper, can waste up to 200 gallons of water each day. Check for leaks by placing a dye tablet or ten drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. After 15 minutes, if you see color in the toilet bowl, you have a leak. Replacing the low-cost flapper in the tank usually corrects the problem! 
  • Install high-efficiency appliances such as dishwashers and clothes washers to save water and energy. Look for the EPA WaterSense label for appliances that save up to 20% more water than traditional appliances.
  • Fix those leaky faucets! Even a small leak the size of a pinhead could waste up to 7 gallons each day.
  • Don’t pour grease down the drain. It wastes water and soap does not dissolve the grease, leading to clogged pipes. Dispose of cooled fats, oils or grease in the trash can. 
  • Use a garbage disposal only when necessary because it requires a lot of water to operate properly. Save water and avoid clogged pipes by scraping food off dishes into your compost bin or garbage can instead.
  • Insulate exposed hot water pipes with pre-slit foam insulation. You’ll enjoy hot water faster and avoid wasting water while it heats up.

OUTSIDE

  • Lawn and landscape watering can account for up to 60% of water use. Give your sprinkler system a checkup and tune-up.
  • Use an automatic shutoff nozzle on hoses. A garden hose without one can waste up to 600 gallons of water per hour.
  • Maintain 2-3” of natural mulch to improve the soil, help plant beds retain soil moisture and minimize the growth of competitive weeds.
  • Follow St. Pete’s watering restrictions to use your water the most efficiently.
  • Plant Florida-friendly and native, drought tolerant plants.
  • Install new sod and plants during our rainy season and let nature water them with you. St. Pete’s rainy season normally begins in mid- June and lasts through September.
  • If you have a pool, use a pool cover at least 12 mil thick to reduce water loss from evaporation by up to 90%. In addition, less chemicals may be required. Always fence off pools from children, wildlife and pets.
  • Stop, look and listen. Make it a habit to walk your yard weekly to check faucets, hoses, connections and your sprinkler system for problems. Signs to look for include puddles, holes, displaced mulch or dirt mounds. Make repairs as soon as possible.
  • Collect rainwater from the roof of your house into a rain barrel. With ½” of rainfall, you can collect 300 gallons of water from a 1,000 square feet of roof. Learn more about the City’s Rainwater Rebate Program at stpete.org/WaterPrograms.

How to Get in Touch

Water Resources
stpete.org/WaterConservation
727-893-7261
WaterDept@stpete.org

For water-saving tips, programs and more delivered to your inbox, subscribe to the Water Wise eSplash at stpete.org/WaterConservation.