ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a Modified Phase III “extreme” water shortage, effective April 3 through July 1.
In a news release, SWFWMD said: “Due to persistent regional drought and declining water resource levels. This order applies to all St. Petersburg water customers, including residents using private wells.”
To comply with the Phase III order, the city said Friday that:
– Hand watering of non-lawn landscape is allowed, but is limited to before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
– Nighttime enforcement patrols at least once per week to identify extra watering.
– Citations issued without warnings beginning April 17, per District requirements.
Other Restrictions
– Restaurants may only serve water upon request.
– Car washing at home is allowed only on your watering day and must be done with a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
– Aesthetic fountains are limited to four hours per day.
– HOAs and property managers may not enforce standards requiring increased water use, such as mandatory pressure washing or replacement of landscaping. Pressure washing is limited to commercial use only; residential use is not allowed.
Current and ongoing watering schedule and rules remain in place, including designated hours and days. More information can be found at www.stpete.org/WaterRestrictions. St. Pete’s watering schedule may differ from Pinellas County’s, which you can read here. Residents and businesses located outside of city limits or who do not receive their water from the city should verify their watering days and restrictions with their water supplier.