Regional Water Restrictions Have Been Tightened
NEW WATER RESTRICTIONS AS OF APRIL 3, 2009
The Tampa Bay region continues to experience below normal rainfall causing shortages in drinking water supplies. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has enacted Modified Phase IV (Critical) Water Shortage restrictions for potable water use in the Tampa Bay Water service area, including St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg residents using other sources of water, such as from private wells and surface waters, remain under Modified Phase III restrictions.
Download Full PDFEffective DatesApril 3, 2009 until June 30, 2009, unless modified by the SWFWMD.
Applicable AreasSWFWMD Water Shortage Order restrictions apply to the Tampa Bay region, including St. Petersburg water customers located within City limits. If your property is outside the City, please check with your municipality, Pinellas County, or the SWFWMD for current water restrictions for your area.
No Warnings!Violations observed by enforcement personnel will result in the issuance of a citation for a Class II municipal ordinance offense and is subject to a $175 fine, plus court costs. Court costs range from $13 for uncontested violations to $58 for contested violations. Subsequent violations are subject to higher fines as assessed by the court up to a maximum fine of $500 plus court costs.
Water Use Rules- Aesthetic fountains and other water features are prohibited.
- Residential car washing is prohibited.
- Charity car washes are prohibited.
- Commercial car wash operations are allowed.
- Cars for sale or lease may not be routinely washed; they may be washed immediately prior to sale or lease.
- Pressure washing conducted by commercial businesses is allowed for certain purposes which include:
o cleaning to eliminate a safety hazard,
o preparation for painting or similar activity,
o maintaining a paint or material warranty, and
o as needed to meet federal, state or local health and safety standards.
- Restaurants and public dining facilities shall serve water to customers only upon customer request.
- Government facilities, common areas in malls, lobbies of multi-tenant office buildings, and similar public spaces using cooling towers or other water-based cooling must keep the temperature at or above 78 degrees Fahrenheit. There are exemptions for health and safety, such as hospital facilities.
- Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited.
- Use of an automatic shutoff device is required when hand-watering plants.
- Watering-in of lawn chemicals is allowed within District guidelines.
- Cleaning and maintenance of an irrigation system is limited to once a month. An attendant must be present.
- Boat washing and motor flushing is allowed after usage. Wasteful and unnecessary water use is prohibited.
