Public Utilities - Water Division

Water Restrictions

Modified watering restrictions limit lawn watering to once per week.

These watering restrictions and modifications are due to a severe water shortage order and drought that is endangering the water reservoir levels in Pinellas, Pasco, and Hillsborough counties.

In response to continued drought conditions in Florida, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) declared a modified Phase IV (Critical Water Shortage) restrictions, which result from additional demand management measures to ensure water demands can continue to be met.

Follow these Watering Restrictions

Lawn Watering - Using Drinking Water, Private or Public Wells, Lakes, Ponds, or Other Sources

If your address (house number) ends in...
...Letters “A” through “M,” water only on Saturday
...Letters “N” through “Z,” water only on Sunday
...Even numbers, water only on Saturday
...Odd numbers, water only on Sunday
...Mixed or no address, water only on Sunday

*New Hours*

• In-ground irrigation system (rotor and spray sprinkler heads):
  • Properties less than one acre - Midnight to 4 a.m.
  • Properties more than one acre - Midnight to 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight
• Sprinkling cans, hand-held hose equipped with automatic shut-off nozzle, or using a hose equipped with a portable sprinkler
  • Properties of any size – 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Note: The same area may not be watered by multiple means; in other words, persons may not use an irrigation system and a hand-held hose to water the same area twice on their designated watering day. 

The current watering restrictions remain in effect until further notice for use of water from public and private utilities, wells, lakes or ponds. All observed violations will be issued a citation.

Lawn Watering - Using Reclaimed Water

All locations that use reclaimed resources to water lawns may do so on any day, but there is no watering between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on any day. All observed violations will be issued a citation.

Sod Repairs & Replacements

Watering restriction modifications have been made for sod additions and replacement. These modifications apply to both new construction and lawn replacement (sod, plugs, and other turf grass material). The changes include:

• Restricting the new construction and turf grass replacement establishment period to 30 days total.
• On days 1 - 15, beginning the day of installation, the new or replacement turf grass may be watered any day of the week.
• On days 16 - 30, the new or replacement turf grass may be watered three days per week:
• Even-numbered addresses (or letters A-M) on Tuesday/Thursday/and Saturday.
• Odd-numbered addresses (or letters N-Z) on Wednesday/Friday/Sunday.
• Beginning on day 31 and thereafter, the once-per-week watering schedule shall be followed. On any day and from any watering source, watering is allowed only from midnight and 4 a.m.

According to the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), the current watering restrictions remain in effect until further notice. All observed violations will be issued a citation.

Plants & Shrubs

The watering of existing landscaping may be done once per week, on your designated watering day, between the hours of midnight to 4 a.m. only. All observed violations will be issued a citation.

For new plants (other than lawns), watering may be done during the 60-day establishment period, according to this schedule:

• Days 1 - 15: any day of the week.
• Days 16 – 45:
• Even numbered addresses (or addresses ending in letters A - M) may water on Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday.
• Odd numbered addresses (or addresses ending in letters N - Z) may water on Wednesday/Friday/Sunday.
• Days 46 - 60:
• Even numbered addresses (or addresses ending in letters A - M) may water on Tuesday/Saturday.
• Odd numbered addresses (or addresses ending in letters N - Z) may water on Wednesday/Sunday.
• Days 61 and thereafter, the once-per-week watering schedule shall be followed. On any day, watering is allowed only from midnight and 4 a.m.

Low-volume irrigation devices, such as micro-irrigation, bubblers, soaker hoses, or drip tubing for non-lawn landscaping is allowed on your designated watering day. Watering is allowed only from midnight to 4 a.m. All observed violations will be issued a citation.

Fountains, Waterfalls, and Fish Ponds

Aesthetic fountains, waterfalls, and other water features are not allowed.

If a resident has a water pond with koi fish, and it receives aeration by means of a waterfall or fountain, the waterfall or fountain will need to be turned off. Alternative ways of providing aeration are available for such ponds. Various department stores and websites will be able to assist you in finding an acceptable alternative. For more information about this particular issue, call SWFWMD at (800) 836-0797 ext. 2298.

All observed violations will be issued a citation.

Miscellaneous

Restaurants. Restaurants shall only serve water upon request.

Car Washing. Residential car washing and charity car washes are no longer allowed. Commercial car washes and mobile detailing are allowed. However, cars for sale/lease may only be washed immediately prior to sale or lease.

Pressure Washing. Non-commercial and residential pressure washing is prohibited. Commercial companies can pressure wash; however, pressure washing is allowed if done by a commercial company for the any of the following reasons: to eliminate safety hazards; for painting preparation or similar activity; to maintain a paint or material warranty; or, as needed to meet federal, state, or local health and safety standards.

Water-Based Air Conditioning. Buildings that run on water-based air conditioning are encouraged to keep the thermostat at or above 78 degrees Fahrenheit. This includes government facilities, common areas in malls, lobbies of multi-tenant office buildings, and similar public spaces using cooling towers or other water-based cooling. Exemptions include for health and safety facilities, such as hospitals.

Fertilizers. Fertilizers should be watered in on your authorized watering day, during restricted hours.

Plant Chemicals. Insecticides, fungicides and herbicides may be watered in on an unauthorized day, but watering must be within authorized hours and limited to the minimum of watering necessary. Regular designated irrigation day and hours should be used when possible.

All observed violations will be issued a citation.

Should I follow the City’s or County's Watering Restrictions?

Watering restrictions are regulated by the municipality where the property is located. The Community Response Team regulates properties located in the City of Clearwater, and properties located in the County (or enclaves) are regulated by the ordinances of that jurisdiction, regardless of the source from where the water comes.

If you have questions, call the Community Response Team at (727) 562-4720.

Who Determines the Need for Watering Restrictions?

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is the governing body for how the Tampa Bay region and outside areas will best manage its water resources. The City of Clearwater complies with all SWFWMD restrictions.

Created in response to the original water shortage restrictions imposed by SWFWMD, City of Clearwater Ordinance 7802-07 contains a provision giving the City Manager authority to alter the city’s watering restrictions contained in Code Section 32.153, upon declaration of changes by SWFWMD in accordance with SWFWMD’s administrative order.

Requests for Special Exemptions

If you would like to request special exemption from these rules, please fill out a request for variance form and mail it to the following address:

Public Utilities
Attn: Glenn Daniel
1650 N. Arcturas Ave., Bldg C
Clearwater, FL 33765

Contact Information

To Learn More About Watering Restrictions

Water Conservation Hotline
(727) 562-4987

Telephone
(727) 562-4960

E-mail
Use our Clearwater Task Request and Communications System (C-TRACS) to contact us.
You can now contact the City of Clearwater by selecting a category that best matches your concern. A ticket will be opened which will allow you to track your request online and view any steps taken to resolve the issue.

Address
Public Utilities Department
City of Clearwater
1650 N. Arcturas Avenue Building #C
Clearwater, FL 33765-1945

Hours
Office open Monday to Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To Report a Possible Violation

Telephone
(727) 562-4720

E-mail
Use our Clearwater Task Request and Communications System (C-TRACS) to contact us.
You can now contact the City of Clearwater by selecting a category that best matches your concern. A ticket will be opened which will allow you to track your request online and view any steps taken to resolve the issue.
Select the category for "Community Response Team" and select the "Miscellaneous Code Concern" category.

Address
Community Response Team
City of Clearwater
100 S. Myrtle Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33756

Hours
Office open Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To Contact SWFWMD

E-mail
Water.Restrictions@WaterMatters.org

Water Restriction Hotline
(800) 848-0499 (Florida only)

Telephone
(800) 423-1476, ext. 4498 (Florida only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4498

Address
Demand Management Section/RPM
Southwest Florida Water Management District
2379 Broad Street
Brooksville, FL 34604-6899