City of St. Petersburg Issues Updated Once-a-Week Irrigation Schedule Amid Drought Alert

City of St. Petersburg Issues Updated Once-a-Week Irrigation Schedule and Urges Residents to Conserve Water Amid Drought Alert

Feb. 3, 2026 - Due to current conditions, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has issued a Modified Phase 2 Water Shortage Order that includes the City of St. Petersburg. The order goes into effect on Sunday, February 8. This order comes after significantly below-normal rainfall and declining water resource levels.

To help conserve water, the City is shifting to a temporary watering schedule of once a week for properties using potable or private well water sources for watering. Reclaimed water use is not restricted; however, watering only once or twice a week is recommended. Knowing your assigned watering day is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect our water resources.

Lawn and Landscape Water Use Rules

• Even-numbered addresses may irrigate on Saturday between 5-9 a.m. or 7-11 p.m.

• Odd-numbered and locations with no address may irrigate on Sunday between 5-9 a.m. or 7-11 p.m.

• Hand watering of non-lawn landscape is allowed any day, at any time, if needed.

• Hand watering of lawns must follow designated watering day and times.

• Hand watering and micro-irrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done on any day at any time.

• An automatic shutoff device must be installed on any hose and used at all times.

Please note that St. Pete's watering schedule may differ from Pinellas County's. Residents and businesses located outside of city limits or who do not receive their water from the City should verify their watering days and restrictions with their water supplier. Learn more about water usage rules at https://www.stpete.org/WaterRestrictions.

Additionally, residents should adjust their irrigation timer to ensure the settings are correct, as restriction enforcement activities will continue to be enhanced. Aggressive water shortage action may become necessary if conditions worsen. As seasonal dry conditions place added demand on regional water supplies, the City of St. Petersburg is also reminding residents to conserve water.

Additional New Restrictions

• Testing of irrigation systems for cleaning and maintenance is limited to 10 minutes per zone, once a week. Repair leaks to avoid wasteful water use.

• Car washing at home (non-commercial) is only allowed on your watering day.

• Aesthetic fountain use is limited to eight hours a day. Exemptions for koi ponds, small fountains, interactive commercial/institutional recreation areas and other incidental uses.

• No homeowners association or other entity shall enforce deed restrictions or other community standards requiring an increase in water use, including replacement of plants to meet aesthetic standards or pressure washing.

Please remember that "wasteful and unnecessary" water use is prohibited, including allowing water to be dispersed without any practical purpose, using water in a grossly inefficient manner, and using water for a purpose that can be readily accomplished by other means.

For more information about water restrictions and water conservation tips, programs, and rebates, visit https://www.stpete.org/WaterConservation. Please continue to check back regularly for updated information.