St. Pete Tightens Watering Restrictions

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Starting on June 5, residents of St. Petersburg will find new rules in place limiting when and how potable water can be used outside their homes. The city on Wednesday announced the adoption of new watering restrictions in light of an ongoing water shortage in the region.

Under the new rules, which go into place June 5 and are expected to remain through Aug. 1, residents who use potable, private well and surface water sources for their lawns may only irrigate once a week.

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The new rules were announced following the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s declaration of a modified Phase Three Water Shortage in the region. “District hydrologists report a rainfall deficit of 11-inches since the start of the dry season last October,” the city explained in an email to media. “In fact, this is the driest ‘dry season’ in the past 103 years. Even though the region is experiencing drought conditions, there is adequate public water supply available.”

The watering restrictions are hoped to keep that adequate public water supply adequate.

Starting June 5, the following rules will be in place within the city’s limits:

• Irrigation of established lawns and landscapes will only be allowed between 5 and 9 a.m. or from 7 to 11 p.m. on the designated day.
• Addresses that end in an even number will be allowed to irrigate during the prescribed hours only on Saturdays.
• Addresses that end in an odd number be will be allowed to irrigate during the prescribed hours only on Sundays.
• Hand watering of any non-lawn landscaping is allowed on any day, at any time, when needed.
• Hand watering of lawns is only allowed during designated periods.
• Micro-irrigation is allowed at any time and on any day.

Reclaimed water users aren’t being asked to follow the above schedule, but the city is urging conservation. Residents on reclaimed are asked to water no more than three days a week. Even number addresses are advised to water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Odd number addresses should water on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

To find out more about the new rules, visit the city’s website.

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