Year-Round Watering Restrictions

According to Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Chapter 40D-22, the following restrictions apply to all water sources year round.

New Plant Material (Lawn & Landscaping) Establishment Period Irrigation Exemption

New plant materials may be watered for a 60-day total establishment period. The following information will help you properly water your new plants and turf grass under the exemption.

Please note: Pinellas County is currently under a Modified Stage 1 Water Shortage Order and certain restrictions are in place that may impact new plant irrigation exemptions.

Proof of new lawn material must be faxed to (727) 464-3717.

Customers north of SR580

While we are under a water shortage order, the William E. Dunn Reclamation Facility, which services our North County customers, can only supply reclaimed water on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Please refer to the following information during the water shortage order.

Current Schedule

  • Addresses ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Saturdays
  • Addresses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Wednesdays
  • Mixed or No Address (such as common areas, entry areas/office complexes, shopping centers and other “no address” locations): Wednesdays
  • Watering using reclaimed water is not permitted between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Watering using potable water is not permitted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Exemption Guidance

  • From Day 1 to Day 30, new plants and turf grass can be watered twice a week. If additional watering is needed, residents should use a more targeted irrigation method such as potable, well, lake or pond water.
  • From Day 31 to Day 60, new plants and turf grass can only be watered one day per week. Please see the above schedule to find your watering day.
  • Exemption begins on the day of installation. New turf grass or plants can be watered one time outside of watering times on installation day.
  • You can only use an entire irrigation system zone if it waters an area with at least 50% new plant material.
  • Partial zone and dispersed plantings like trees, plants and shrubs must be watered by another, more targeted, irrigation method such as a water hose with a nozzle.

Customers south of SR580

Current Schedule

  • Addresses ending in even numbers (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Tuesdays
  • Addresses ending in odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Thursdays
  • Mixed or No Address (such as common areas, entry areas/office complexes, shopping centers and other “no address” locations): Thursdays
  • Watering using reclaimed and potable water is not permitted between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Exemption Guidance

  • From Day 1 to Day 30, new plants and turf grass can be watered twice a week. If additional watering is needed, residents should use a more targeted irrigation method such as potable, well, lake or pond water.
  • From Day 31 to Day 60, new plants and turf grass can only be watered one day per week. Please see the above schedule to find your watering day.
  • You may water your lawn or plant area during authorized hours, which are currently before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
  • Exemption begins on the day of installation. New turf grass or plants can be watered one time outside of watering times on installation day.
  • You can only use an entire irrigation system zone if it waters an area with at least 50% new plant material.
  • Partial zone and dispersed plantings like trees, plants and shrubs must be watered by another, more targeted, irrigation method such as a water hose with a nozzle.

Washing Windows, Buildings & Mobile Homes

Using water for windows, buildings or mobile homes is allowed, but low-volume watering methods should be used. Hosing down a building or structure to remove material that could be done with an alternative method is considered wasteful.

Washing Sidewalks & Driveways

Hosing off sidewalks and driveways is allowed, but low-volume watering methods should be used. Hosing down a driveway or surface to remove debris that could be swept with a broom or dry method is considered wasteful.

Washing Vehicles

You are allowed to wash your vehicle if necessary on any day or time; however, you must use a shut-off nozzle or water-efficient device.

Trees, Shrubs, Flowers & Vegetables

Hand-watering is allowed as needed if a shut-off nozzle or other water efficient device is used.

Lawn Chemicals

Chemical applications can be watered on your lawn during authorized watering hours. Watering-in is limited to one application of one-quarter inches within 24 hours of the application or per manufacturer’s instructions. If applied by a professional, a sign with the date of application is required on site. Report chemical applications to (727) 464-4000.

Low-Volume Irrigation Devices

Landscaping (groundcover other than your lawn) may be watered as needed if low-volume irrigation technology is used. In this case, you do not have to follow the watering schedule.

Irrigation System Testing & Repair

You can operate your irrigation system for maintenance and repair no more than once a week for up to 10 minutes. You must have someone on-site monitoring the testing.

Wasteful & Unnecessary Use of Water

The following wasteful and unnecessary water uses are prohibited:

  • Leaving a hose on unattended;
  • Hosing down a driveway, solid surface or structure when another method could be used;
  • Hand-watering a lawn on a restricted day or more than once a day, except when used for spot treatment;
  • Not fixing an irrigation or plumbing issue, like broken sprinkler heads or outdoor faucets, after receiving a verbal or written notice; and,
  • Watering during or after rainfall. It is required for irrigation systems to have an operating rain sensor or soil moisture sensing device installed. This system allows you to bypass irrigation cycles when your lawn is watered sufficiently.