PINELLAS COUNTY – Below normal rainfall and decreasing local water supplies have officials urgently requesting that people cutback on their use of potable and reclaimed water.
According to officials at Tampa Bay Water and Pinellas County Utilities, current drought conditions have resulted in increased demand for water – both potable and reclaimed, which is putting a burden on dwindling water supplies.
“Increased outdoor water use is the primary cause of the high regional water demand,” said officials at Tampa Bay Water.
Regional water use had increased to more than 300 million gallons a day during the first few days of May, according to Tampa Bay Water. As of May 4, Tampa Bay Water's 15-billion gallon C.W. Bill Young Regional Reservoir was less that half-full with about 6 billion gallons remaining, and officials expected the water level to continue to decrease through the remainder of the dry season.
“Regional water sources are being significantly impacted by the worsening drought conditions in the area,” according to officials at Tampa Bay Water.
Pinellas County Utilities said on May 4 that demand for reclaimed water by south Pinellas County reclaimed water customers was at an all time high and had reached a critical stage. Officials were urgently requesting that south county customers implement a voluntary reduction in usage effective immediately.
“The continued drought conditions have placed an unprecedented strain on the reclaimed water system and demand is now exceeding production,” officials said.
Areas included in the voluntary reduction include: Gulf Beaches from Tierra Verde to Sand Key; 78th Avenue North to 66th Avenue North between 113th Street North and Boca Ciega Bay; Park Boulevard to 54th Avenue North between Cross Bayou and 66th Street North; Tamarac By The Gulf and Seminole Lakes Golf and Country Club Estates.
Utilities officials have advised that if high usage of reclaimed water continues, the entire system may have to be shut down between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.
“Watering is discouraged during these hours, however, the reclaimed water system continues to experience heavy demand during this timeframe,” officials said.
One-day-per-week restrictions were put in place in January and are being strictly enforced throughout the region. For a current copy of the watering schedule, visit www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/water-restrict.htm.
Residents and businesses with automatic irrigation systems are asked to ensure that irrigation controllers are set to water on the correct day and at the appropriate time.
"It is critical that residents and businesses follow the one-day-per-week restrictions and water only if necessary and on the correct day," said Dave Bracciano, demand management coordinator for Tampa Bay Water. "It is also important to check your irrigation system to make sure it is operating correctly and not leaking or spraying driveways or sidewalks."
Governor’s state of emergency
Gov. Charlie Crist declared a state of emergency on May 2 due to worsening drought conditions and an increasing wildfire threat.
According to state emergency officials, very dry conditions have plagued Florida during the past year. Mounting rainfall deficits have resulted in the development of severe drought conditions in the Lake Okeechobee region, the Treasure Coast, and also for portions of north and northeast Florida.
According to the latest National Drought Monitor, more than 80 percent of Florida is experiencing moderate or severe drought conditions.
“The wildfire threat will continue to increase throughout the month of May as temperatures rise and drought conditions likely worsen,” officials said.
The governor’s emergency declaration said dry weather conditions are forecast for the foreseeable future, and the danger of additional wildfires will increase dramatically over the next ninety days.
The summer rainy season in south Florida typically begins by late May. The onset of the wet summer months also produces increased lightning strikes and corresponding wildfire ignitions.
Officials urge the public to use caution with outdoor fires and barbecues.
