Don't Plan That Car Wash Fundraiser: Tighter Water Restrictions in Place

Stop the plans on the car wash fundraiser, tighter water restrictions start Wednesday, March 13.

In response to the Southwest Florida Water Management District countywide watering restrictions, Clearwater is modifing and enforcing its water restrictions to comply with the Phase III limitations.

That means limited lawn and landscape watering, restaurants can only serve water if requested and groups that do not already have a car wash fundraiser planned should not plan one.

Reclaimed water users may continue to water on any day before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. There are no changes to the restrictions currently in place for other water uses, including agricultural irrigation, golf course operations, industrial processes, or pressure washing activities.

Violators may cited without a warning. Initial citations are $193 and repeat offenses are $373, not including court costs. The water restrictions are expected to expire July 31.

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Changes include:

Established lawns: 

• All water sources except reclaimed once a week before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. 
• If using hose-end sprinkler, both times may be used, provided no area is watered twice. 

Watering days in Clearwater could be different from what other water suppliers allow or unincorporated Pinellas County.

• Saturday: even number addresses or A-M.
• Sunday: odd number addresses or N-Z, or mixed or no street address.

New lawns: 60-day establishment period for new and replacement turf (sod, plug, seed, etc.), before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

• Days 1 to 30: any day of the week
• Days 31 to 60: Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday (even address or A-M) Wednesday/Friday/Sunday (odd address and mixed or no address or N-Z)

Landscape - non-lawn plants: Hand watering and micro-irrigation on any day before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

Restaurants: May only serve water upon request.

Vehicle Washing:

• Residential: once a week on watering day with shut-off nozzle.
• Fundraisers: may not be scheduled after March 13
• Commercial: car washes and mobile detailing businesses may operate on any day.
• Emergency and first responders: vehicles may be washed on any day as needed.
• Boats: may be rinsed and boat engines may be flushed after each use.

Fountains: Large fountains, waterfalls and other water features may operate four hours a day with hours posted.

Deed restrictions and other community groups: Homeowner associations and other groups must suspend any requirement to replace lawns, pressure wash or engage in other activity which increases water use.

Recreation: Other than athletic play areas including golf, football, baseball and other athletic fields, all lawn and landscape areas must comply with once a week restrictions.

Call the Water Conservation Hotline at 727-562-4987 or Clearwater Public Utilities at 727-562-4960.