Pinellas County Utilities has kicked into gear a new schedule for reclaimed water usage for North County customers starting yesterday, in the wake of a notable supply deficit. The change is a direct reaction to reduced rainfall paired with a spike in use among residents. Under the new rules, households north of SR 580 will only get to irrigate once a week and it's all hinging on their address number.
So here's the breakdown: If you're living at an address that ends in an even number, you can water your greenery on Saturdays. For those with odd numbers, Wednesday is your day. Got a property that's a bit more ambiguous, like a common area? It joins the odd bunch with mid-week watering rights. Heads up though, you can't run your sprinklers between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., so plan accordingly. Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays are a no-go for the reclaimed water system—it'll be taking a break to help manage the resource.
According to Pinellas County's announcement, this turnabout is meant to sustain the supply until Mother Nature gives back with some regular rainfall. It's about striking a balance, so there's enough wet stuff for everyone's lawn to sip on without sucking the system dry. If you're thirsty for the latest on the irrigation itinerary or in need of a few pointers on conserving water, the county's water-conservation page is the well to draw from.
Pinellas County Utilities is banking on the cooperation of the community to ensure that reclaimed water remains available and to stave off further restrictions. This one-day-per-week agenda is set to stick around until the rainy season kicks back in and gives the system a breather. The goal is to replenish to acceptable levels while meeting those critical irrigation and system pressure requirements. The county has the up-to-date schedule posted online for those who want to sync their sprinklers with the new program.
