Reclaimed Water

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As of 10/2/2023: All requests for turning on reclaimed water for existing customers will be routed from the Utility Accounts office to the Reclaimed Water office. Customers will be required to have a signed Reclaimed Water Agreement on file.

Alert 9/07/23:
Following a service interruption due to Hurricane Idalia, reclaimed water service has been restored. Please continue to practice water conservation measures as quantity is limited due to dry weather conditions. The City of St. Petersburg apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates your patience and cooperation. Any questions, call the 24-Hour Water Resources Dispatch Line at 727-893-7261.

Attention: Dry weather protocols are currently in effect. Learn more below. 

Sustainable Water Practices

Dry Weather Protocols Currently In Effect

As of May 2023, the City of St. Petersburg has enacted dry weather protocols to conserve the city’s supply of reclaimed water. The City has temporarily lowered the pressure to decrease the flow of reclaimed water coming from the City’s water reclamation facilities during the hottest times of the day so that the quantity of reclaimed water will be sufficient for irrigating overnight and in the early morning.

Reclaimed water customers may notice decreased pressure coming from their sprinklers from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and are encouraged to adjust their irrigation timers and only water according to the City’s year-round reclaimed water irrigation schedule:

  • Water your lawn no more than three days per week.
    • Even addresses should irrigate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
    • Odd addresses should irrigate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
  • Water from 5-9 a.m. or 7-11 p.m. Watering during the heat of the day is inefficient as much of the water used is lost to evaporation and wind drift.

Reclaimed water customers are also asked to turn their automatic sprinkler systems off if there is not adequate pressure for proper operation. This will aid in filling storage tanks so that customers will be able to irrigate.

Reduced supply of reclaimed water is expected for this time of the year and these dry weather protocols are typical for the region, with similar practices currently being carried out throughout Pinellas County. The City of St. Petersburg would like reclaimed water customers to know that reclaimed water is a limited resource and should be used wisely. The supply of reclaimed water depends on the amount of wastewater being processed at the City’s three water reclamation facilities. It takes five houses worth of wastewater to produce enough reclaimed water for one property.

Reclaimed water pressure will return to normal once the supply of reclaimed water is stabilized. If conditions worsen, the Mayor has the ability to enact mandatory restrictions on reclaimed water. Check this site for updates.

Reclaimed Water in St. Pete

Reclaimed water is the final product of a multiple-stage advanced wastewater treatment process which produces a product ideal for irrigation. Reclaimed water is identified with the color purple. Elements found in reclaimed water include nitrogen and phosphorous elements that work as nutrients to enhance ornamental plant and lawn health. Using reclaimed water for irrigation saves drinking water, extending water supply and helping to ensure sustainable use of this vital natural resource. St. Petersburg's Water Reclamation System was the first to be built in the United States and remains one of the largest in the world. Reclaimed water is an integral part of the City's overall water conservation effort and continued expansion of the system has significantly contributed to reducing potable (drinking) water demands.

Reclaimed Water Rates     Reclaimed Water Service Request Form

Reclaimed Water Service Availability

Reclaimed water is not available in all areas of the city. It takes the discharge from about six wastewater customers to produce enough reclaimed water to supply one residence with reclaimed water for use as irrigation water. As a result, it is not possible to supply all residences in St. Petersburg with reclaimed water. The Water Resources Department is currently able to consider in-fill requests for reclaimed water service where existing reclaimed water mains are located. To take advantage of the program residents must already have or plan to install a sprinkler system or they may apply for a purchase a special reclaimed hose connection for hand sprinklers. Existing sprinkler systems can be connected with little or no modification. To determine if service is available, residents should fill out the Reclaimed Water Request Form

Reclaimed Water Service Area Map

Not for Consumption 

This treatment produces a water product that is not suitable for human or animal consumption. Due to its origin and composition, the use of reclaimed water is restricted by federal, state, and local ordinances. 

In St. Pete, reclaimed water is not permitted for:

  • Consumption by humans or animals
  • Connection to a dwelling for toilet flushing or other internal household use
  • Interconnection with another water source
  • Sprinkling of edible crops
  • Human bodily contact or water recreation
  • Non-reclaimed marked/labeled hose bibs, faucets, quick couplers, and hoses.
  • Filling of swimming pools, decorative pools, and ponds
  • Development of a common reclaimed water service or connection between properties
  • Washing equipment such as cars, boats, driveways, structures etc.

Watering Restrictions

Using reclaimed water is a smart irrigation alternative which helps alleviate the strain on other water sources. Like other water sources, there is a limited amount of reclaimed water. Efficient use by all customers will help ensure the safe and continued availability of this resource.

The typical residential lawn can require up to 30,000 gallons of irrigation water per month, especially during the dry spring and winter seasons. The Water Resources Department encourages all reclaimed water customers to utilize this resource efficiently and effectively. Voluntary restrictions for reclaimed water allow for irrigation no more than 3 times per week. It is inefficient to irrigate during the heat of the day. 

When conditions warrant, the City activates its Dry Weather Protocol for reclaimed water, which requires the filling of tanks during the day and allowing for irrigation in the evening hours. Reclaimed water customers are asked to turn off automatic sprinkler systems if there is not adequate pressure for proper operation. During dry weather or reclaimed water emergencies, this will help in building up the supply so that customers will be able to irrigate.

For information on water restrictions in effect for St. Petersburg, visit the Watering Restrictions page or call the Water Watch Info Line at 892-5300. For information on City water conservation programs, visit the Water Conservation page.

Mayor’s Authority on Reclaimed Water Use

The City of St. Petersburg is in a declared water caution area by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Water shortage restrictions have been placed on outdoor-only use of water to help to conserve valuable resources. Reclaimed water, as an alternative irrigation water source to potable or well water, is not restricted in the same manner.

However, there may be periods when the reclaimed water system experiences an increase in low-pressure due to demand exceeding supply. Per Section 27-170 of the St. Petersburg City Code, the Mayor has the authority to enact mandatory restrictions on reclaimed water during emergencies and when necessary for the efficient operation of the system. Such restrictions may be warranted during the dry season. If the mayor enacts such an order, notifications will be sent to customers and the media will be notified. The failure to comply with the restrictions established by executive order is a violation of the City Code and may result in a fine.

The restrictions limit the use of reclaimed water for lawn and landscape irrigation to three days per week. It also limits the time of day for irrigation to the hours of 5 to 9 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m. 

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