FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Patti Anderson, Director, Water Resources, (727) 892-5604

Voluntary Restrictions for Reclaimed Water Customers

St. Petersburg, Fla. (May 16, 2008) - St. Petersburg's Reclaimed Water System has begun to experience low-pressure conditions due to reclaimed water demand exceeding available supply. During the dry spring season, city reclaimed water customers are reminded of the voluntary water restrictions limiting reclaimed water use. The Water Resources Department has activated its Dry Weather Protocol for Reclaimed Water which directs the filling of tanks during the day allowing for irrigation in the evening. Reclaimed water customers are asked to turn their automatic sprinkler systems off if there is not adequate pressure
for proper operation. This will help in building up the supply so that customers will be able to irrigate.

Even numbered addresses may irrigate on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; odd numbered addresses may irrigate on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Since irrigating during the heat of the day is inefficient due to water loss from wind drift and evaporation, irrigation is suggested prior to 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. If conditions continue or worsen, the Mayor has the authority to institute mandatory restrictions limiting reclaimed water use.

Also, customers are reminded that mandatory restrictions are still in effect for customers using potable (city) water, water from private wells, or private connections to surface water sources for irrigation. Customers with address numbers ending in an even number or the letters A through M may irrigate on Saturday only. Customers with address numbers ending in an odd number or the letters N through Z, or at locations with no address, may irrigate on Sunday only. Irrigation is allowed 5 to 9 a.m. and 7 to 11 p.m. on the assigned day to allow for adequate zone coverage of multiple zones while not permitting irrigation of the same area twice within the same day.

For information on water restrictions in effect for St. Petersburg, visit www.stpete.org/water or call the Water Watch Info Line at 892-5300.

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