CONTACT INFORMATION:
14 South Fort Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, Fl 33756
Customer Service (727) 464-4000
E-mail: custsrv@pinellascounty.org

November 7, 2008

Pinellas County, Fla.—With a continued rainfall deficit in the region, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board has tightened water restrictions for all of Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. In addition to continuing lawn watering restrictions to one-day-a week and prohibiting watering between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., the new water shortage order calls for local governments to strictly enforce the rules which include:

• Hand watering or micro-irrigation of non-lawn landscaping is permitted only before 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m.
• Customers should avoid an increase in lawn or landscape water use—including postponement of  any planned turfgrass renovation or lawn replacement
• Establishment period for new sod and landscape has changed to allow watering only three days per week from day 31 to day 60 (even addresses on Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Saturday and odd addresses on Wednesday, Friday, and/or Sunday)
• Decorative fountains and waterfalls may only be operated four hours per day
• All observed violations after November 15 will result in a citation

Pinellas County Utilities has numerous programs to help residents conserve water and lower their water bills. These include rebate programs for ultra low flow toilets and installation of alternate water sources for lawn irrigation. Various publications are available to assist with leak detection, sprinkler system calibration, leaky flappers and indoor/outdoor water conservation initiatives. Utilities customers may also request free low flow shower heads, water saver kits, rain gauges and hose shut-off nozzles to further enhance conservation efforts.

For more information about watering restrictions and ways to conserve water, please visit www.pinellascounty.org/utilities or contact Pinellas County Utilities at 464-4000.

Source: www.pinellascounty.org/utilities

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