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Reclaimed water use is cut back

Starting today, Largo's 2,100 residential customers will be allowed to water only two days a week instead of three.

By JILL ANN PERRINO
Published October 1, 2005

LARGO - They mailed out information cards. They placed fliers in city offices. They put ads in the newspaper and on Largo's television cable Ch. 15. They've made plans to put hang tags on doors.

Officials in Largo's reclaimed water department want to be sure that the city's 2,100 residential users of reclaimed water know about the changes in the watering schedule that go into effect today.

The days of being allowed to use reclaimed water three days a week are over. From now on, reclaimed water customers will be allowed to water only two days a week.

The goal is to use reclaimed water wisely and not waste it.

"All we are trying to do is have enough water for all our customers," Largo environmental manager Cheryl Putnam said.

On the new schedule there will be no watering on Wednesdays, Saturdays or Sundays. Those with even addresses or addresses starting with A-M can water on Mondays and Thursdays. Odd addresses or those starting with N-Z can water on Tuesdays or Fridays.

Largo environmental services director Joe Carlini hopes to see customers comply immediately, but he realizes there will be a period of adjustment.

"The city understands that the change will affect many people," he said. "If there are violations, they will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis."

Still, Carlini expects fewer and fewer homeowners to get hit with the $32 fines given for first offenses. He noted that the number of fines issued has dropped dramatically since Largo officials started monitoring in June 2004. That month, the city fined 160 customers. By last month, the number of people fined had dropped to 20.

"People are more of aware of environmental issues," he said. "They know they need to monitor their irrigation."

Carlini said new schedule will give the reclaimed water system two consecutive days to replenish the 18-million gallons of water the city's tanks hold.

And with watering allowed only on weekdays, city staff members are better able to monitor whether customers are watering on their proper days.

"We're better able to utilize our internal personnel," he said. "Solid waste drivers and city code inspectors will be able to help environmental services personnel by providing more eyes."

The goal is not to catch violators and give them tickets, but to monitor users, stretch water resources and better meet needs, said Carlini.

"We have to be able to manage the system not only now, but for the future," he said, noting that more and more Largo neighborhoods want to be linked to the city's reclaimed water system.

"We have the potential for 4,300 customers," Carlini said.

What has not changed is the times for watering. Watering is not allowed between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Customers must water in the evening or in the early morning hours.

And Carlini reminds customers that proper watering - as opposed to overwatering - allows plants to develop healthy root systems that are less susceptible to insects, disease and drought.

"We suggest watering an inch to and inch and a half per week," he said. "Even with the new schedule, customers should still be able to keep their yards green and beautiful."

[Last modified October 1, 2005, 01:45:17]