The City of St Pete Beach is committed to providing sustainable and efficient water solutions for its residents. One key aspect of this commitment is the Reclaimed Water System, a service that offers an environmentally conscious and cost-effective alternative for irrigation. While owned by the City of St Pete Beach, the ongoing maintenance and billing of this vital system are expertly managed by Pinellas County Utilities, ensuring seamless service for all users.
Understanding Reclaimed Water in St. Pete Beach
Reclaimed water, often referred to as recycled water, is highly treated wastewater that meets stringent safety standards, making it perfectly suitable for irrigating lawns and landscaping. For property owners in St. Pete Beach, connecting to the reclaimed water system is a straightforward process. By completing a simple application form and paying a modest $75 activation fee, residents can gain access to this valuable resource.
The benefits of using reclaimed water are manifold. Firstly, it significantly reduces the demand for potable or drinking water for outdoor use, conserving this precious resource. Secondly, reclaimed water is rich in nutrients, acting as a natural lawn fertilizer, promoting healthy growth and enhancing the beauty of your landscape. Choosing reclaimed water for irrigation is not only a smart economic decision but also an environmentally responsible one, as it minimizes the discharge of treated effluent into the surrounding environment.
Reclaimed Water Fees and Billing in St. Pete Beach
Reclaimed water service is readily available throughout St. Pete Beach. Billing for this service is handled through a contract with Pinellas County Utilities, ensuring a reliable and familiar billing process for residents already connected to other county services.
Fees for reclaimed water are structured based on the Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) assigned to each property. For single-family homes, the charge is for one ERU, currently priced at $21.24 per month, billed bimonthly at $42.48. Multi-family and commercial properties are assessed fees based on the number of ERUs allocated to their property, which is determined by the permeable square footage of the lot size. For these properties, the first ERU is billed at $21.24 per month ($42.48 bimonthly), and each additional ERU is charged at a reduced rate of $18.46 per month ($36.92 bimonthly). This tiered system ensures fair and equitable pricing based on property size and usage potential.
Deactivating and Inspecting Your Reclaimed Water Service
Should you decide to deactivate your reclaimed water service, a deactivation form must be submitted, along with a $75 deactivation fee. This process ensures the service is properly disconnected and your account is accurately closed.
For residents planning to install a new irrigation system connected to reclaimed water, Pinellas County mandates an inspection. This inspection is crucial to prevent any cross-connections between the reclaimed water lines and potable water lines, safeguarding the integrity of the drinking water supply. To schedule an inspection, an inspection form needs to be completed, and a $35 inspection fee applies.
For any further inquiries or assistance regarding your reclaimed water service, the City of St. Pete Beach Public Works Department is readily available at 727-363-9243.
Navigating Watering Restrictions in St. Pete Beach: Drought Conditions and Conservation
Important Update: St. Pete Beach Water Shortage Order in Effect
Pinellas County, including St. Pete Beach, is currently experiencing drought conditions. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has classified the drought severity as D3-Extreme Drought. In response to this, the Southwest Florida Water Management District has issued an extended Modified Stage 1 Water Shortage for Pinellas County, effective through December 31, 2024.
These drought conditions necessitate temporary irrigation restrictions for all water customers in Pinellas County, including St. Pete Beach. This applies to all users of City Of St Pete Water, whether they are using reclaimed water or potable water for irrigation. It’s important to note that there will be no billing adjustments during these temporary restrictions, as the reclaimed water system remains operational and available for use within the allocated watering days.
St. Pete Beach Specific Watering Schedule:
To ensure equitable water usage during the shortage, a one-day-per-week watering schedule is in place for irrigation:
- 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 (common areas, office complexes, shopping centers, etc.): Thursdays
Key Watering Rules to Observe:
To maximize water conservation efforts, certain wasteful practices are prohibited:
- Watering is not permitted between 10 am and 4 pm. This helps minimize water loss through evaporation during the hottest part of the day.
- Leaving a hose unattended is prohibited as it can lead to significant water wastage.
- Hand-watering a lawn on a restricted day or more than once a day is not allowed.
- Hosing down driveways, sidewalks, or structures when alternative cleaning methods are available is considered wasteful and is prohibited.
- Failing to repair irrigation or plumbing issues like broken sprinkler heads or outdoor faucets after receiving a notification is a violation of the restrictions.
Permitted Irrigation System Testing and Repair:
Understanding the need for system maintenance, the restrictions allow for irrigation system testing and repair under specific conditions:
- Testing is permitted as often as once a week.
- Each test run must not exceed 10 minutes.
- An attendant must be present and monitoring the area being tested during the process.
Enforcement of Watering Restrictions:
Pinellas County and St. Pete Beach Code Enforcement are jointly responsible for enforcing these water restrictions within the City of St. Pete Beach.
- A first offense will result in a written citation.
- A second offense will incur a fine of $193.00.
- If a Phase II water shortage order is issued, any offense will result in a $193.00 fine.
By adhering to these guidelines and embracing reclaimed water services, residents of St. Pete Beach can actively contribute to water conservation and the sustainable management of our precious resources. For further information on reclaimed water conservation, please View info on Reclaimed Water Conservation. For any questions regarding watering restrictions or your city of st pete water service, please contact the St. Pete Beach Public Works at (727) 363-9243.
