CONTACT INFORMATION:
14 South Fort Harrison Avenue
Clearwater, Fl 33756
Conservation Department (727) 464-4273
E-mail: pcuwebteam@pinellascounty.org

March 18, 2009

Pinellas County, Fla.— Due to prolonged drought conditions, reclaimed water use rules have been tightened. An ordinance passed by the County Commission on March 17, 2009, limits the use of reclaimed water service by retail customers to three days a week. The ordinance is specifically limited to timeframes that encompass the traditional dry season, from April 1 to June 30 and October 1 to November 30.

Watering days are based upon the last number of residents’ home address. Addresses ending in odd numbers (1,3,5,7,9), or a mix of addresses, or common areas associated with residential subdivisions are able to irrigate on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Addresses ending in even numbers (0,2,4,6,8) can irrigate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Overhead irrigation is prohibited between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and no reclaimed watering is permitted on Monday. Violators will receive one warning before receiving a citation with an associated fine.

Reclaimed water is a valuable limited water resource that helps reduce the use of regional drinking water supplies that are used for irrigation purposes. At certain times of the year, we experience significantly reduced rainfall amounts and increased demand on the reclaimed water systems. This ordinance is designed to ensure a consistent supply of reclaimed water remains available to all customers. If our area experiences extended seasonal rainfall or there is excess reclaimed water in storage, these limitations can be suspended.

Pinellas County Utilities will conduct an outreach effort to notify customers of the new rules. The exact date that this ordinance will go into effect will be announced later, but will likely occur in early April 2009. Horticultural experts at Pinellas County Extension/University of Florida recommend less frequent watering to help establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system. Potable water customers are currently limited to one watering day a week, based on address.

For more information, call the Reclaimed Hotline at (727) 464-4273, or visit www.pinellascounty.org/reclaimed

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Source: www.pinellascounty.org/utilities

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