City of St. Petersburg Reclaimed Water

Water Systems Maintenance Mission Statement

To promote the health, safety and welfare of the public served by the city of St. Petersburg's public drinking water system and the city's reclaimed water system. To effectively maintain the integrity of the potable and reclaimed water distribution systems through effective utilization of employees, equipment and materials.

Reclaimed Water System At A Glance

Over 10,400 active customers
290 miles of reclaimed water pipe lines
308 fire hydrants
3,741 valves
Four reclaimed water facilities
36 million gallons per day

Reclaimed Water and Conservation

St. Petersburgs Water Reclamation System is not only the first to be built in the United States, it remains one of the largest in the world. The city's innovative system provides more than 36.9 million gallons per day to 10,483 customers for lawn irrigation. Reclaimed water is also an integral part of the city's overall water conservation effort. The initial reclaimed water distribution system, constructed in the late 1970s, was limited to serving golf courses, parks, schools, and large commercial areas. Extensive biological research through the late 1970s and early 1980s resulted in approval by Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for expansion of the reclaimed water system into residential areas. In 1986, a $10 million system expansion was completed to include service to a limited number of residential and commercial sites. Continued expansion of the reclaimed water system has significantly contributed to reducing potable (drinking) water demands.

Reclaimed Water for Irrigation

Reclaimed water is the final product of a multiple-stage advanced treatment process which retains nitrogen and phosphorous elements that work as fertilizers to enhance ornamental plant and turfgrass growth. This treatment produces a water product ideal for lawn sprinkling, but not suitable for human or animal consumption. Elements found in reclaimed water include aluminum, chromium, lead, molybdenum, zinc, phosphorus, boron, copper, zinc, magnesium, nickel, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium and nitrogen. Sprinkling with reclaimed water is not much different from using well or tap water. To take advantage of the program you must already have or install a sprinkler system. Existing sprinkler systems can be connected with little or no modification. Due to its origin and composition, the use of reclaimed water is restricted by federal, state and local ordinances.

Reclaimed Water is a Resource - Use it Wisely

Sprinkling with reclaimed water is a smart alternative to using wells or potable water. Like other water sources, there is a limited amount of reclaimed water that is available to water customers for irrigation. Proper use by all customers will help ensure the safe and continued availability of this resource. In St. Petersburg, the typical residential lawn can require 30,000 gallons of irrigation water per month during the growing season. The average residential customer discharges 6,000 gallons per month to the sewer system. Therefore, it takes five sewer customers to produce enough reclaimed water to supply one residence with irrigation water. As a result it is not possible at this time to supply all residences in St. Petersburg with reclaimed water.

Reclaimed Water Availability

The Water Resources Department's Reclaimed Office is currently able to consider in-fill requests for reclaimed water service. All other reclaimed service requests will be put on a waiting list for future consideration when the system is able to accommodate expansion. Reclaimed water is not available in all areas of the city. To determine if service is available in your area, or to obtain reclaimed water, call (727) 892-5111.

Reclaimed Water Is Not Permitted For:

Consumption by humans or animals
Connection to a dwelling for toilet flushing or other internal household use
Interconnection with another water source
Sprinkling of edible crops
Human bodily contact or water recreation
Non-reclaimed marked/labeled hose bibs, faucets, quick couplers, and hoses.
Filling of swimming pools, decorative pools and ponds
Development of a common reclaimed water service or connection between properties
Washing equipment such as cars, boats, driveways, structures etc.

Reclaimed Water Cost

For more information on reclaimed water rates visit http://www.stpete.org/c2g/information/reclaimedwater.htm#anchor.

Reclaimed Water Responsible Usage

The city of St. Petersburg has been declared a water caution area by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Water shortage restrictions have been placed on outdoor use of water to help to conserve this valuable resource. Reclaimed water, as an alternative water source to potable or well water, is not restricted in the same manner at this time.

However, the mayor has the authority to restrict the use of reclaimed water when conditions warrant. Per Section 27-146 of the St. Petersburg City Code, the mayor may issue additional restrictions for the use of reclaimed water when necessary for the efficient operation of the reclaimed water system. Such restrictions may be warranted in particular during the dry season when the system may be unable to sustain adequate operating pressure or the demand for reclaimed water may exceed the available supply. Under this ordinance, the mayor may limit, by executive order, the use of reclaimed water for outdoor irrigation to three days per week from 5 to 9 a.m. and/or 7 to 11 p.m. for a period not to exceed 90 days.

Residential properties irrigate according to the property address as follows:

Even addresses on Tuesday, Thursday, and/or Saturday
Odd addresses on Wednesday, Friday, and/or Sunday

Large commercial properties, multifamily buildings, schools, and other government buildings would also be limited to three days per week watering but would water as follows:
Commercial-north of Central:
Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday
Commercial-south of Central:
Monday, Thursday and/or Saturday

Multifamily on Monday, Thursday and/or Saturday

Education/Government:
Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday

Golf courses, cemeteries, and athletic or recreational facilities will be required to submit irrigation plans demonstrating compliance with best management practices.

If the mayor enacts such an order notifications will be sent to customers and the media will be notified. Current water restrictions are available by calling the Water Watch Hot Line at 892-5300.

If you would like to obtain information regarding the variance procedures for this ordinance please call 892-5020.

A copy of the current watering restrictions along with variance information is also available online at www.stpete.org/h2oregs.htm.

The failure to comply with the restrictions established by executive order is a violation of the City Code and may result in a fine.

A copy of the city of St. Petersburg’s Reclaimed Water Policies & Procedures is available in the reception area of the administrative office of the Water Resources Department located at 1635 Third Avenue North during regular business hours Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Use of reclaimed water has helped to alleviate the strain on potable and well water resources. We encourage all reclaimed customers to use our reclaimed resource efficiently and effectively.

For information on efficient irrigation contact the Pinellas County Extension Service at:
http://coop.co.pinellas.fl.us/fyn/yard.html

For information on water resources in our district contact the Southwest Florida Water Management District at 1-800-423-1476 or on the web at
www.watermatters.org.

For more information on reclaimed water service and use, call or write to:

Water Resources Department
Reclaimed Water Division
290 16th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL
33705

727-892-5111