Reclaimed Water

The City of St Pete Beach owns the Reclaimed Water System, however, ongoing maintenance of the system is provided by Pinellas County Utilities. 

Learn about any Reclaimed Water projects going on >

Treated Wastewater

Reclaimed water is highly treated wastewater which is used to irrigate lawns and landscaping. Property owners in St Pete Beach can apply for connection to reclaimed water by filling out an application form and paying a $75 activation fee. By using reclaimed water, customers avoid using expensive drinking water for lawn care and help contribute to the conservation of natural resources. Reclaimed water contains nutrients that help fertilize your lawn while beautifying its appearance. It is the smart choice for irrigation and ultimately reduces the amount of effluent that is otherwise discharged into the environment.

Fees & Providers

Reclaimed Water is currently available in St Pete Beach. The City of St Pete Beach contracts with the Pinellas County Utilities for billing. Fees for using reclaimed water are based on the Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) that is assigned to the property. Single family homes pay for one ERU at $21.24 per month ($42.48 bimonthly). Multi-family and commercial properties pay based on the number of ERU's assigned to their property based on permeable square footage of the lot size. For these the 1st ERU charge is $21.24 per month ($42.48 bimonthly) and $18.46 per month ($36.92 bimonthly) for each additional ERU.

Deactivation

To deactivate your reclaimed water a deactivation form needs to be processed in addition to paying a $75 deactivation fee. If you wish to install an irrigation system, Pinellas County requires an inspection to ensure there are no cross lines between reclaimed water and potable water, this requires an inspection form to be completed and a $35 inspection fee. Should you have additional questions please feel free to contact the Public Works Department at 727-363-9243.

Watering Restrictions

St. Pete Water Shortage Order Goes Into Effect Dec. 1

DROUGHT CONDITIONS AND IRRIGATION RESTRICTIONS

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has classified the drought condition of Pinellas County as a D3-Extreme Drought.  As a result the Southwest Florida Water Management District has issued a modified Stage 1 Water Shortage for Pinellas County.  Beginning December 1, 2023, Pinellas County Utilities will move to a one-day-per-week watering for irrigation for all water customers.  

This includes all of St. Pete Beach using reclaimed water or potable water.  

 There will not be an adjustment in billing.  

 SCHEDULE FOR ST PETE BEACH         

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 etc.,: Thursdays

RULES  

Wasteful and Unnecessary Use of Water is Prohibited including:

Watering is not permitted between 10 am and 4 pm.

Leaving a hose unattended.

Hand-watering a lawn on a restricted day or more than once a day.

Hosing down a driveway, solid surface or structure when another method could be used.

Not fixing an irrigation or plumbing issue such as broken sprinkler heads or outdoor faucets, after receiving a verbal or written notice.

IRRIGATION SYSTEM TESTING AND REPAIR

May be operated for testing and repair purposes.

Testing may be done as often as once a week.

The run-time for any one test may not exceed 10 minutes.

An attendant must be on-site in the area being tested.

ENFORCEMENT

Pinellas County will enforce these restrictions in the City of St. Pete Beach.

St. Pete Beach Code Enforcement will enforce these restrictions in the City of St. Pete Beach.

First offense is a written citation.

Second offense is a $193.00 Fine.

If a Phase II order is issued, any offense will carry a $193.00 Fine.  

NOAA

For questions please call St. Pete Beach Public Works at (727) 363-9243.

View info on Reclaimed Water Conservation