Watering Restrictions

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ALERT: ONCE A WEEK WATERING RESTRICTIONS - Effective December 1, 2023, St. Petersburg is under Modified Phase I Water Shortage Order #2023-041 as mandated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Find details below. 

Water Wisely

Attention: Dry weather protocols are currently in effect.

Due to below-normal rainfall, reduced river levels, and increasing water supply concerns, a water shortage has been declared by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) for several counties including Pinellas. The Order (#2023-041) will remain in effect through July 1, 2024, unless changed by the SWFWMD. More aggressive water shortage actions may become necessary if conditions worsen.

Please note that the restrictions detailed below are for St. Petersburg water customers located within city limits only. Residents who live outside city limits or receive their water bill from another entity should check with their municipality, Pinellas County, or the SWFWMD for their current water restrictions.

Key Water Shortage Order Information

Attention: Dry weather protocols are currently in effect.

  • The Order applies to properties watering with potable (City) water, water from private wells, or private connections to surface water sources (lakes, ponds, etc.).

  • Residents should adjust their irrigation timer to ensure the settings are correct, as Restriction Enforcement Activities will continue to be enhanced.

  • Effective December 1, 2023, watering is limited to once a week. Details of watering restrictions for St. Petersburg water customers located within city limits are found below.

Lawn and Landscape Water Use Rules

Attention: Dry weather protocols are currently in effect.

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:

  • Addresses ending in an even number are permitted to irrigate, if necessary, on Saturday only.
  • Addresses ending in an odd number and locations with no address are permitted to irrigate, if necessary, on Sunday only.
  • Irrigation is allowed from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. or from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
  • Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited. An example is using water to clean driveways and impervious surfaces.
  • Hand watering of non-lawn landscape is allowed any day at any time if needed.
  • Hand watering of lawn/turf is allowed ONLY during designated watering day and times. An automatic shutoff device (AKA hose nozzle) must be installed on the hose and used at all times.
  • Micro-irrigation (low-flow or drip irrigation) is allowed any day at any time if needed. Water wise use is requested.

ALLOWABLE WATERING DAYS – BASED ON PROPERTY ADDRESS

Attention: Dry weather protocols are currently in effect.


  MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN
Potable (City) Water           even odd
Private Well or Surface Water           even odd
Reclaimed Water (voluntary)   even odd even odd even odd

Users of Reclaimed Water

Attention: Dry weather protocols are currently in effect.

Due to continued drought conditions and limited supply issues, reclaimed water customers 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. or 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. 

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

It is highly recommended that new plants and sod installations, and lawn renovations (sod, plugs, seed, and other turf grass material) be delayed until the start of the summer rainy season (typically in June). Irrigation of new plants, new sod installations, and lawn renovations (sod, plugs, and other turf grass 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. or 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Obtain this 30-day variance by calling 727-892-5611 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.

Enforcement of Watering Restrictions

Attention: Dry weather protocols are currently in effect.

St. Petersburg continues to enforce watering restrictions. First-time violations observed by enforcement personnel will result in the issuance of a Warning Notice. Subsequent violations will result in a citation for a Class II municipal ordinance offense that is subject to a $193 fine, plus court costs. Subsequent violations are subject to higher fines as assessed by the court up to a maximum fine of $500 plus court costs.

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