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St. Petersburg, FL - St. Petersburg officials announced that new citywide water restrictions will begin on December 1st after the Southwest Florida Water Management District issued a Phase 1 Water Shortage Order due to below normal rainfall and declining water supplies.
The order applies to all properties that use potable water, private wells, or surface water for irrigation or landscaping.
Under the updated schedule, homes with even numbered addresses may irrigate on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. or 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Homes with odd numbered addresses may water lawns on Wednesdays and Sundays during the same time periods.
Hand watering of lawns must follow the assigned days and hours, while hand watering or micro irrigation of non lawn plants is permitted as needed.
All hoses must have automatic shutoff devices to prevent unintended water loss.
The city also advised residents to check their irrigation systems to make sure timer settings match the allowed schedule.
The order prohibits water use that serves no practical purpose or uses water inefficiently.
Examples include running a hose unattended, washing down paved surfaces when sweeping is possible, and failing to repair malfunctioning sprinklers or plumbing after notice.
Enforcement efforts will increase throughout the city.
The first violation will result in a written warning, while later violations may lead to a fine of $180 plus court fees, with higher penalties for repeated offenses.
Officials said additional restrictions may be required if drought conditions continue to worsen.