WATER-SAVING PROGRAMS

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Attend a Rainwater Guardian Workshop and provide proof of attendance. If applicable.
• Be a St. Petersburg stormwater utility customer in good standing (no pending payments over 30 days late).
• Obtain and submit an application signed by the property owner or representative designated by the property owner.
• Provide required documents for verification.
• Meet additional requirements of the specific rebate device. Detailed in the Program Guidelines (coming soon).

RAINWATER GUARDIAN WORKSHOPS

Collecting rainwater is an excellent way to save resources. With ½” of rainfall. Residents can collect 300 gallons of water from 1,000 square feet of roof. Attend a Rainwater Guardian Workshop to learn about:

• Reducing the use of potable (drinking) water for lawn and garden irrigation.
• How rainwater harvesting helps protect local waterways and the environment.
• Rain barrel setup, use, and maintenance.
• Creating shallow rain gardens that are attractive and functional.

Workshops are free and pre-registration is required for attendance. Click the link below to find upcoming workshops. Classes and events may be canceled at any time due to low registration or other circumstances. St. Petersburg utility customers may receive a rain barrel upon completion of a Rainwater Guardian Workshop. Rain barrels will be available at a future date once physical distancing and other public health standards can be assured.

Upcoming Rainwater Guardian Workshops

Find upcoming workshops here.

APPLY FOR A RAINWATER REBATE

Complete the preliminary application request form below to get the process started. Any questions, email RainwaterRebates@stpete.org or call 727-892-5611.

Application Request Form

Restaurant Spray Valve Replacement Program for Food Service Providers

Foodservice providers can receive a free water-efficient pre-rinse spray valve. This dishwashing valve is more forceful. Precise in removing particles from dishware. Therefore, this could reduce water use by up to 300 gallons a day. St. Petersburg water customers who are also owners or managers of restaurants, nursing homes, care facilities, hospitals, retail establishments. Other businesses with a pre-rinse wash station can obtain more information by calling 727-892-5611.

Indoor Water Conservation Kits

The St. Petersburg Water Resources Department is providing indoor conservation kits to water customers. Each kit includes a low-flow showerhead, toilet leak detection dye tabs, and faucet aerators for the kitchen and bathroom. To receive a free kit, St. Petersburg water customers should bring a utility bill to the Water Resources Department. Located at 1650 Third Avenue North, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

High Efficiency Toilet Retrofit Rebate

Tampa Bay Water Wise is offering rebates of up to $100 to customers who replace their existing toilets that use 3.5 gallons or more per flush with high efficiency EPA WaterSense certified toilets. More information on the Tampa Bay Water Wise website. 

Smart Irrigation Controllers Rebate

Tampa Bay Water Wise is offering rebates of up to $250 to homeowners who over-water their landscapes and install a soil moisture sensor or evapotranspiration controller. More information on the Tampa Bay Water Wise website.

Shallow Wells for Outdoor Irrigation Rebate

In addition, Tampa Bay Water Wise is offering rebates of up to $1,000 to homeowners designated as deficit or excessive irrigators for the installation of a shallow well to replace potable water irrigation. More information on the Tampa Bay Water Wise website. 

Rebates for Businesses & Organizations

Office buildings, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, schools, multi-family properties, builders and more can benefit from rebates for making water-efficient choices. Tampa Bay Water Wise offers rebates for high efficiency toilets, urinals, cooling towers, commercial dishwashers, spray valves and more. The Customizable Rebate offers reimbursement of up to 75% of project costs, up to $40,000 per project. More information on the Tampa Bay Water Wise website.

Water Incentives Supporting Efficiency

Otherwise, the Southwest Water Management District offers rebates for eligible water-saving projects. More information on the WISE website.

Sensible Sprinkling Program

Water customers with in-ground sprinkler systems using potable, reclaimed, or well water can receive a free sprinkler system checkup and become more water-wise through the free Sensible Sprinkling Program.

Eligible customers receive, for no charge:

• Sprinkler system evaluation with site-specific recommendations.
• Installation of a rain sensor.
• Automatic shut-off hose nozzle.
• Diagram of your sprinkler layout.
• Water conservation tips.

The Sensible Sprinkling Program is currently inactive and will return in late 2021. Check this site for updates.

Any questions, email SensibleSprinkling@stpete.org or call 727-892-5611. 

Awards

St. Petersburg residents are discovering that a few simple changes can dramatically decrease water use, improve the health and beauty of their landscapes, and help preserve Florida’s natural environment. 

The annual Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Award is awarded to curators of attractive, water-efficient landscapes that conserve water and protect the environment. Individuals and businesses can apply to be recognized for their yard’s beauty and resiliency. 

Winners receive a special prize and have the opportunity to be recognized by local elected officials at the awards ceremony held in conjunction with the annual City Beautification Awards at Sunken Gardens. 

Learn more and apply for a Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards on the Water Wise Awards page.