St. Pete Standard

April marks Water Conservation Month, and the City of St. Petersburg is encouraging its residents, businesses, and visitors to focus on improving irrigation efficiency. The city is providing various initiatives and resources to help save water, preserve the environment, and ultimately reduce unnecessary water waste.

Residents are invited to attend free virtual workshops throughout the year that cover water-efficient irrigation practices. Topics include optimizing sprinkler systems, Florida-friendly landscaping, and drought-tolerant plantings. For registration details, individuals can visit www.stpete.org/WaterWorkshops.

Additionally, utility customers in St. Pete can benefit from a complimentary sprinkler system evaluation through the Sensible Sprinkling Program. A specialist will assess the sprinkler system's efficiency, install a rain sensor, and suggest ways to reduce water waste. More information is available at www.stpete.org/WaterPrograms.

Residents and businesses can also take advantage of rebates for installing water-efficient systems, including soil moisture sensors, through the Tampa Bay Water Wise program and the Southwest Florida Water Management District. This initiative may cover up to 50% of eligible project costs. Further details can be found at TampaBayWaterWise.org/StPetersburg and www.stpete.org/WaterPrograms.

To prevent overwatering, the city urges residents to adhere to the year-round irrigation restrictions set for St. Petersburg. Watering schedules and additional information can be accessed at www.stpete.org/WaterRestrictions.

Moreover, the city offers the Water Wise eSplash e-newsletter, providing water-saving tips, resources, and updates throughout the year. Subscriptions are available at www.stpete.org/eNewsletters.

The efforts extend beyond April, with the city offering ongoing programs, resources, and tips to help the community save water all year long. More information is available at www.stpete.org/WaterConservation.