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

September 18, 2008

Clearwater, Fla.— Despite being at the height of the 2008 hurricane season, the Tampa Bay region has not seen the typical benefits of the rainy season. Regional rainfall was below normal for the month of August and is five to six inches below normal for the month of September. This deficit adds to the growing multi-year rainfall deficit in both the Hillsborough and Alafia river watersheds.

Pinellas County Utilities’ customers receive potable (drinking) water from sources managed by the regional water supplier, Tampa Bay Water. This regional water supply is a blend composed of groundwater, surface water and desalinated saltwater. According to Tampa Bay Water, the lack of meaningful rainfall has led to far below normal river flows in both the Hillsborough and Alafia rivers.

Pinellas County Utilities encourages residents to conserve drinking water by only watering on their designated day and making conservation a part of their lifestyle. In addition, several successful programs are offered to help residents decrease water consumption and lower their water bills. These include the Ultra Low Flow Toilet (ULFT) and Alternate Water Sources (AWS) rebate programs. The ULFT rebate offers up to $100 for each high flow toilet replaced by an ultra low flow toilet to single family, multi-family and commercial customers. The AWS rebate offers up to $300 for the installation of an alternate water source for irrigation, i.e., shallow well, deep irrigation well, or surface water withdrawal system. Also, the Healthy Lawn program exists to help residents learn how to maintain a lush landscape without wasting water.

Pinellas County is currently under Emergency Water Restrictions as specified by the Southwest Florida Water Management District Board, limiting watering to one day per week for potable, well, lake, and pond sources. Noncompliance can result in a Class II Local Ordinance Violation.

If you would like additional information about watering restrictions, rebate programs, or ways to conserve water, please contact Pinellas County Utilities at 464-4000 or visit www.pinellascounty.org/utilities

Source: www.pinellascounty.org/utilities

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