Pinellas County Utilities14 South Fort Harrison Avenue

Clearwater, Florida 33756(727) 464-4000

www.pinellascounty.org/utilities

INTRODUCTION....................................................... 1

WATER Health.and.Safety.Standards...............................2. Water.Sources.and.Treatment.............................2. Drinking.Water.Guidelines...................................4.. Laboratory.Testing.Requirements........................4. Research..............................................................4. Water.Aesthetics.Versus.Water.Quality...............4.. Water.Purification.Systems..................................5. Lead.and.Copper.Rule.........................................5SEWER. Sewer.System.Precautions..................................6. Commercial.Sewer.Users....................................7. Wastewater.Treatment.........................................8. Reclaimed.Water................................................10UTILITIES BILLING. Billing.and.Leak.Detection.................................12. Utilities.Bill..........................................................14

WATER CONSERVATION. Public.Education................................................16. Indoor.Conservation.Tips...................................17. Outdoor.Conservation.Tips................................17.SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL. Waste.Reduction................................................18.. Recycling............................................................18. Waste-to-Energy................................................18. Landfilling...........................................................18. Household.Electronics.&.Chemical.Collection..19. Swap.Shop.........................................................19. Enviro-Business.Collection................................19. Used.Oil.Collection............................................19. Pinellas.County.Reefs........................................19. Yard.Waste.Recycling........................................19

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.............20OFFICE & DROP BOx LOCATIONS.........22

Pinellas.County.Utilities.consists.of.three.services—Water,.Sewer,.and.Solid.Waste..Pinellas.County.Utilities.is.a.county-owned,.self-supported.public.utility.that.provides.safe.drinking.water,.advanced.wastewater.treatment,.reclaimed.water,.and.solid.waste.disposal.services.

WaterIn.1935,.a.Special.Legislative.Act.(Chapter.17644).was.passed.and.supplemented.by.Special.Acts.of.1939.(Chapter.20066).and.1953.(Chapter.29442),.giving.the.Pinellas.County.Board.of.County.Commissioners.the.authorization.to.construct.and.operate.a.non-profit.water.system.

SewerFlorida.Statute.153.authorizes.the.Pinellas.County.Board.of.County.Commissioners.to.operate.a.non-profit.wastewater.treatment.system..Wastewater.treatment.is.the.cleaning.of.used.water.and.sewage.so.it.may.be.safely.returned.to.the.environment..It.is.the.last.line.of.defense.against.water.pollution.

Solid Waste In.1975,.the.Florida.Legislature.passed.the.Pinellas.County.Solid.Waste.Disposal.and.Resource.Recovery.Act.(Chapter.75-487).which.gave.the.Pinellas.County.Board.of.County.Commissioners.the.sole.responsibility.for.waste.disposal.within.Pinellas.County..In.addition.to.operating.a.waste-to-energy.facility.and.landfill,.the.County.offers.numerous.recycling.and.waste.reduction.programs.to.citizens.

Page 2

Health and Safety StandardsPinellas.County.Utilities.number.one.priority.is.to.assure.the.health.and.safety.of.our.water.supply..There.are.three.basic.parts.to.the.water.supply.process—source,.treatment,.and.distribution..Our.water.supply.comes.from.water.sources.such.as.rivers,.bays,.reservoirs,.and.underground.aquifers..Some.sources.require.treatment.to.remove.impurities..The.treated.water.is.then.distributed.to.homes.and.businesses..

Water Sources and TreatmentPinellas.County.Utilities.drinking.water.supply.is.purchased.from.Tampa.Bay.Water,.the.regional.water.supplier..The.water.that.Pinellas.County.Utilities.receives.from.Tampa.Bay.Water.is.a.

blend.of.groundwater,.surface.water,.and.desalinated.water..The.majority.of.water.that.is.supplied.to.Pinellas.County.Utilities’.northern.service.area.(north.of.SR.580).is.groundwater..The.water.supplied.to.the.southern.service.area.(south.of.SR.580).is.a.combination.of.all.three.water.sources.

Each.water.source.must.be.treated.individually.before.it.is.combined.with.the.others..The.treatment.process.for.each.water.source.is.as.follows:......

The.Groundwater.portion.of.the.water.supply.requires.only.minimal.treatment.because.it.is.located.deep.

beneath.the.ground.within.the.Floridan.Aquifer..

The.treatment.of.groundwater.includes.the.following.steps:

•. Hydrogen sulfide removal—Hydrogen.sulfide.is.a.natural.chemical.that.gives.off.an.unpleasant.taste..and.odor.

•. Corrosion control—A.polyphosphate.buffer.is.added.to.control.the.possibility.of.pipe.corrosion.within.the.distribution.system.and.home.plumbing.

•. Fluoridation—Fluoride.is.added.for.dental.health.purposes.

•. Disinfection—Chloramine,.a.combination.of.chlorine.and.ammonia,.is.then.added.to.the.treated.water.in.order.to.prevent.the.growth.of.bacteria.in.the.distribution.system..

•. pH (acidic-alkali) adjustment—The.pH.level.of.the.water.is.adjusted.using.sodium.hydroxide.

The.Surface Water.portion.of.the.water.supply.comes.from.the.Hillsborough.and.Alafia.Rivers,.the.Tampa.Bypass.Canal,.and.the.C.W..Bill.Young.Regional.Reservoir,.and.is.treated.at.a.state-of-the-art.water.

treatment.facility..Surface.water.is.put.through.several.processes.that.include.flocculation,.sedimentation,.filtration,.stabilization,.and.disinfection.

The.Desalinated Water.portion.of.the.water.supply.is.treated.at.a.state-of-the-art.reverse.osmosis.facility..Saltwater.from.Hillsborough.Bay.is.pumped.through.membranes.to.remove.the.

salt..The.fresh.water.is.then.stabilized.and.disinfected.

The.three.different.waters.are.transferred.through.an.84-inch.transmission.pipe.for.distribution.to.customers.

Drinking Water GuidelinesPinellas.County.Utilities.water.is.constantly.measured.against.safety.standards.established.by.the.U.S..Environmental.

Protection.Agency.(USEPA),.the.Florida.Department.of.Environmental.Protection.(FDEP),.and.the.Pinellas.County.Health.Department..These.standards.specify.that.the.drinking.water.must.be.analyzed.for.contaminants.such.as.bacteria,.lead,.fertilizer,.fuels,.pesticides,.and.solvents..Pinellas.County.Utilities.water.meets.or.exceeds.all.of.these.safeguards.

Laboratory Testing RequirementsAt.the.Utilities.Laboratory,.the.wet.chemistry,.organic.chemistry,.metals,.and.microbiology.sections.analyze.water.samples.for.an.extensive.list.of.chemicals.and.bacteria..Water.samples.are.collected.at.the.wellfield,.during.the.treatment.process,.throughout.the.distribution.system,.and.in.homes.and.businesses..The.Utilities.Laboratory.continuously.tests.all.water.to.ensure.compliance.with.state.and.federal.regulatory.requirements..

ResearchResearch.is.an.important.element.of.water.quality.control..Skilled.chemists,.using.the.most.modern.and.sophisticated.laboratory.equipment,.conduct.tests.daily.to.identify.organisms.that.may.invade.the.water.supply..Alternative.sources.of.water.are.being.thoroughly.reviewed.for.potential.impacts.on.water.quality..The.standard.for.our.public.water.supply.is.to.provide.water.with.the.lowest.health.risks.possible.

Water Aesthetics Versus Water QualityPinellas.County.Utilities.water.quality.measurements.incorporate.safety.standards.as.well.as.testing.for.aesthetic.components.of.water.which.do.not.affect.health..For.example,.water.hardness.is.a.characteristic.of.water,.but.has.very.little,.if.any,.affect.on.health..Water.quality.may.also.be.more.observer-defined.and.subjective..For.instance,.individuals.who.live.in.an.area.of.the.country.

where.drinking.water.is.collected.from.streams.running.over.granite.rocks.will.have.a.certain.impression.of.what.is.good.water.quality..However,.upon.tasting.water.in.Pinellas.County,.where.water.comes.from.three.different.sources,.impressions.of.the.water.quality.may.be.different,.even.though.all.sources.are.safe..Remember,.water.quality.can.vary.from.place.to.place.and.time.to.time,.but.water.delivered.to.your.home.meets.or.exceeds.all.federal.and.state.standards.for.safe.drinking.water.

Water Purification SystemsYou.may.be.contacted.by.private.water.businesses.requesting.permission.to.test.your.water..They.may.then.attempt.to.sell.you.a.home.water.treatment.system..You.may.wish.to.install.one.of.these.home.treatment.systems,.for.your.own.preference,.but.please.be.aware.that.your.water.supply.meets.all.public.health.standards.without.additional.treatment..Pinellas.County.Utilities.does.not.affiliate.with,.or.endorse,.any.private.water.companies..

Lead and Copper RuleLead.and.copper.are.not.found.in.our.water.sources..Lead.and/or.copper.can.be.found.at.your.water.faucet,.in.some.instances,.if.they.have.dissolved.in.the.water.from.your.household.plumbing.

The.Safe.Drinking.Water.Act.of.1974.required.the.USEPA.to.set.standards.to.protect.the.safety.of.drinking.water..Since.1974,.amendments.and.regulations.have.banned.the.use.of.lead.in.new.plumbing.and.repairs,.as.well.as.reduced.permissible.lead.levels.in.drinking.water..Corrosion.inhibitors.in.the.County’s.water.also.help.to.lower.corrosion.and.reduce.lead.levels..Pinellas.County.Utilities.complies.with.the.lead.and.copper.regulation.and.similar.standards.for.other.substances..

Household.water.purification.filters.using.sand,.carbon,.salts,.and.cartridges.do.not.remove.dissolved.lead.from.water..Bottled.water.is.also.allowed.by.law.to.contain.as.much.lead.as.household.tap.water.

Sewer System PrecautionsThe.most.common.problem.facing.a.homeowner.is.a.backup.in.the.sewer.line..Most.backups.can.be.prevented.by.taking.notice.of.what.is.flushed.down.toilets.and.sinks..

DO.NOT.dispose.of.the.following.items.in.drains.or.toilets..These.items.can.cause.an.immediate.backup:

•. Large.quantities.of.toilet.paper

•. Paper.towels•. Feminine.napkins,.tampons,.

or.plastic.applicators•. Disposable.diapers•. Clothing.such.as.socks.or.

underwear•. Plastic.products.such.as..

plastic.bags•. Large.items.which.can.wedge.in.the.pipes•. Large.quantities.of.substances.that.swell.with.water.

such.as.rice,.corn,.oatmeal,.or.cereal•. Scouring.pads.or.sponges

For the health of the sewer system DO NOT dispose of the following in drains or toilets:

•. Fats,.oils,.and.grease.can.cause.a.wax-like.buildup.which.can.reduce.the.diameter.of.pipes,.clog.lift.station.pumps,.and.lead.to.sewer.backups..Keep.your.plumbing.healthy.by.disposing.of.cooled.grease.in.the.trash,.not.the.sink....Commercial.grease.traps.are.regulated.and.must.be.cleaned.periodically..Pinellas.County.Utilities.offers.businesses.a.disposal.site.where.the.grease.is.recycled..

•. Fibrous.materials.such.as.cotton.balls,.bandages,.hair,.rags,.paper,.and.cigarette.butts.can.disintegrate.and.release.individual.fibers.that.can.get.caught.in.the.sewer.lines.and.actually.weave.ropes.or.create.tangled.masses.

•. Medications.should.never.enter.the.sewer.system.directly,.because.wastewater.treatment.is.not.designed.to.remove.many.medications..Instead,.dispose.of.unused.medicines.in.the.garbage..Make.them.unusable.to.scavengers.by.pouring.water.in.a.pill.bottle.or.dirt.in.a.bottle.of.liquid.medicine,.and.hiding.the.container.in.the.garbage.

•. Hazardous.materials.such.as.flammable.liquids.and..toxic.chemicals.can.endanger.public.health.and.sewer.workers..The.Household.Electronics.and.Chemical.Collection.Center.provides.free.and.safe.disposal.for.such.items (see page 19)..

Commercial Sewer UsersBusinesses.must.comply.with.all.discharge.prohibitions.specified.in.the.Pinellas.County.Code,.Section.126-386.

As.required.by.the.Pinellas.County.Code,.all.businesses.discharging.wastewater.into.the.sewer.system.must.complete.an.Industrial.User.Survey..This.survey.provides.Pinellas.County.Utilities.with.information.on.the.type.of.industrial.activity.occurring,.the.constituents.inherent.in.the.wastes,.and.the.characteristics.of.the.wastewater..Failure.to.comply.with.these.rules.is.a.violation.of.the.Pinellas.County.Code.and.is.subject.to.enforcement,.including.fines.of.up.to.$1,000.and.imprisonment.for.up.to.60.days...For.an.Industrial.User.Survey,.call (727) 582-2379.

Wastewater TreatmentWastewater.(sewer).treatment.is.the.cleaning.of.used.water.and.sewage.that.comes.from.homes,.businesses,.and.other.places.in.the.community..Once.cleaned,.the.wastewater.can.be.returned.safely.to.the.environment..Pinellas.County.Utilities.advanced.wastewater.treatment.facilities.process.and.disinfect.wastewater,.eliminating.many.harmful.organisms..

How It WorksWastewater.from.homes.and.businesses.flows.through.the.sanitary.sewer.system.to.the.county’s.wastewater.treatment.facilities..

At.the.wastewater.treatment.facilities,.water.passes.through.bar screens.which.strain.out.large.items.(like.trash).which.travel.through.the.sewer.system..The.trash.is.collected.and.disposed.of.properly.

Next,.water.travels.through.a.grit chamber.which.slows.the.water.down.and.allows.sand,.grit,.and.other.heavy.solids.to.settle.at.the.bottom,.where.they.are.collected.for.disposal.

In.the.primary clarification tank,.smaller.particles.settle..Scrapers.collect.scum.or.grease.floating.on.top.of.the.tank,.and.the.settled.solids,.called.primary.sludge.

The.water.then.passes.through.an.aeration tank.which.supplies.large.amounts.of.air.to.the.mixture.of.wastewater,.bacteria,.and.other.microorganisms..The.aeration.process.speeds.and.promotes.growth.of.helpful.organisms.which.consume.unwanted.components.remaining.in.the.wastewater.

During.the.secondary.sedimentation.process,.secondary clarification tanks.allow.microorganisms.to.form.clumps.

and.settle..The.mixture.of.activated.sludge.is.typically.returned.to.the.treatment.process.in.the.aeration.tanks.and.pumped.to.sludge.treatment..

During.disinfection.in.the.chlorine contact chamber,.chlorine.is.added.to.the.wastewater.before.it.leaves.the.treatment.plant..The.disinfectant.kills.harmful.organisms.in.the.water.

Numerous.water.quality.tests.are.performed.by.wastewater.treatment.operators.and.the.Utilities.Laboratory.throughout.the.process..After.treatment,.the.water.is.safe.and.available.to.the.community.for.irrigation.use.in.the.county’s.reclaimed.water.system.

Where the Solids GoThe.solids.removed.from.wastewater.in.the.sedimentation tanks.are.treated.to.reduce.water.content,.then.further.treated.by.a.process.called.stabilization,.which.prepares.the.sludge.for.further.processing.

The.sludge.is.then.dewatered.(to.reduce.water.content).and.sent.to.a.privately-operated.drying.facility.located.at.the.South.Cross.Bayou.Water.Reclamation.Facility..The.sludge.is.dried.and.turned.into.a.high-grade.fertilizer.commonly.used.at.golf.courses,.residential.areas,.and.for.other.high-end.agricultural.purposes..

Reclaimed WaterPinellas.County.Utilities.is.committed.to.developing.and.maintaining.its.two.water.reclamation.facilities.in.accordance.with.the.Department.of.Environmental.Protection.(DEP).requirements.and.with.best.environmental.

practices..Pinellas.County.developed.a.master.plan.for.the.expansion.of.its.two.regional.water.reclamation.facilities.and.has.focused.on.residential.irrigation..Today,.Pinellas.County.maintains.one.of.the.largest.residential.distribution.systems.of.reclaimed.water.in.Florida.

What is Reclaimed Water?Pinellas.County’s.reclaimed.water.is.the.product.of.an.advanced.wastewater.treatment.process..This.process.eliminates.harmful.by-products.and.is.a.beneficial.alternative.to.using.drinking.water.for.irrigation.

Is Reclaimed Water Safe for Irrigation?YES..Pinellas.County.reclaimed.water.meets.all.of.the.DEP’s.treatment.criteria.for.public.access.areas..

Reclaimed.water.has.been.used.throughout.the.United.States.safely.for.over.30.years..Currently,.Pinellas.County.Utilities,.along.with.the.cities.of.Tarpon.Springs,.Clearwater,.Oldsmar,.Dunedin,.Largo,.Pinellas.Park,.South.Pasadena,.St..Petersburg,.and.St..Pete.

Beach.provide.reclaimed.water.service.to.their.customers..

Using Reclaimed Water Wisely and SafelyProper.use.of.reclaimed.water.by.all.customers.helps.ensure.the.safe.and.continued.availability.of.this.resource..Pinellas.County.reclaimed.water.is.treated.to.meet.DEP.standards.for.irrigation.purposes.only..Because.of.the.salt.content.in.reclaimed.water,.it.may.not.be.ideal.for.some.

types.of.plants.(e.g.,.azaleas,.Chinese.privet,.gardenias,.roses,.geraniums,.marigolds,.and.some.citrus.trees.such.as.mango.and.kumquat)..All.other.citrus.trees,.especially.orange.and.grapefruit,.seem.to.thrive.on.reclaimed.water,.provided.it.is.not.sprayed.on.the.leaves.

Reclaimed Water Is for Irrigation Use OnlyDO NOT:•. Drink.any.reclaimed.water.

•. Connect.to.a.dwelling.for.toilet.flushing.or.other..household.use.

•. Interconnect.with.another.water.source.

•. Use.for.body-contact.recreation.(e.g.,.swimming.pools.or.outdoor.showers).

•. Irrigate.vegetables.or.other.edible.crops.that.are..not.peeled,.cooked,.or.thermally.processed.before..being.consumed..

•. Allow.irrigation.system.water.to.run.off.into..swimming.pools.

Some Typical Uses for Reclaimed Water•. Irrigation.of.lawns.and.most.landscaping..•. Use.in.fountains.or.decorative.pools. (these.should.be.clearly.marked.as.containing.reclaimed.water).

Benefits of Using Reclaimed Water•. Reduces.demands.on.potable.water.sources.utilized.for.drinking.water.

•. Creates.a.new.and.alternate.water.source.for.irrigation.•. Reduces.the.cost.of.landscape.irrigation.when.it.replaces.potable.water.

•. Beautifies.our.community.by.enhancing.the.appearance..of.landscaping.

Billing and Leak DetectionPinellas.County.Utilities.uses.state-of-the-art.equipment.to.accurately.read.your.water.meter.and.calculate.your.bill..If.there.are.concerns.about.the.amount.owed,.there.are.some.simple.steps.to.follow..Sometimes,.undetected.leaks.can.be.the.cause.of.an.increase.in.your.bill.

I’m Concerned That My Bill is Too High, What Can I Do?•. Check.your.meter.reading.against.the.reading.listed.on.

your.bill..Your.meter.is.located.in.the.ground,.usually.in.the.front.of.the.property..It.is.inside.a.rectangular.box.with.a.metal,.plastic,.or.concrete.lid..Remove.the.lid.from.the.meter.box.and.lift.the.cap.that.covers.the.dial.

•. The.meter.face.has.a.dial.with.a.red.sweep-hand.and.numbers.similar.to.a.car.odometer..Read.the.numbers.from.left.to.right..It.should.read.as.high.or.higher.than.the.current.reading.on.your.bill..

•. If.the.number.on.the.meter.is.lower.than.the.current.reading.on.your.bill,.the.meter.was.possibly.misread..Call.Utilities.Customer.Service.at.(727).464-4000.and.a.field.representative.will.be.sent.to.verify.the.reading..If.the.meter.was.misread,.a.corrected.bill.will.be.sent..If.the.field.representative.finds.that.the.meter.was.read.correctly.for.the.bill,.there.will.be.a.service.charge.for.the.special.visit..

Performing a Leak Test in Your Home or Business•. Do.a.full.reading.of.your.meter..Read.it.from.left.to.right..Write.down.the.number.where.the.red.sweep-hand.is.pointing,.which.indicates.single.gallons.of.water..Make.sure.your.water.valve.is.open.

•. Next,.put.food.coloring.or.some.type.of.colored.juice.

inside.your.toilet.tank.where.the.flushing.mechanisms.are.located..Do.not.flush.your.toilet(s).or.use.your.water.for.two.to.three.hours..If.the.toilet.tank.coloring.seeps.into.the.bowl.after.15-20.minutes,.there.may.be.a.leak.in.the.toilet..You.can.obtain.a.FREE.Leak.Detector.Guide.and.colored.tablets.by.calling.(727).464-4000...

•. After.two.to.three.hours,.take.another.meter.reading..If.no.water.was.used,.the.two.readings.should.be.identical..If.they.are.not,.you.have.a.possible.leak..

If a Leak Is Present on Your Side of the Meter BoxIt.is.your.responsibility.to.repair.leaks.on.your.side.of.the.meter.box..This.would.include.home.plumbing.and.any.pipes.and.service.lines.located.on.your.property..Leaks.on.the.street.side.of.the.meter.box.and.within.the.meter.box.itself.are.Pinellas.County.Utilities.responsibility..

Eligibility for Bill Adjustment When a Leak Is DetectedYou.may.be.eligible.for.a.bill.adjustment.by.following.these.procedures:•.If.someone.other.than.a.professional.plumber.fixes.your.leak,.mail.in.a.notarized.statement.giving.the.date.your.leak.was.repaired,.who.did.the.repairs,.and.what.was.repaired..Also.include.copies.of.sales.receipts.for.materials.

•. If.a.plumber.repairs.your.leak,.mail.in.the.repair.bill,.which.should.include.the.plumber’s.license.number,.date.of.repair,.and.type.of.leak..

Mail.to:. Pinellas County Utilities P.O. Box 1780 Clearwater, FL 33757-1780

UtilitiesName & AddressCustomer.and.account.name.and.billing.address..

Meter NumberSerial.number.of.meter..serving.your.account.

Service AddressAddress.where.your.utility.service.is.delivered.

Billing PeriodTime.span.between.prior..and.current.meter.readings..(approximately.two.months).

DaysNumber.of.days.in..billing.period.

Usage HistoryWater.usage.for.the.past..year.(last.6.bills).

Services BilledPinellas.County.may.be.billing.you.on.behalf.of.another..agency;.if.so,.contact.that..agency.with.questions.

Average Daily UseYour.account’s.average.daily..use.for.the.period.compared..to.the.average.use.per.person..per.day..Divide.the.figure..shown.by.the.number.of..people.in.your.household.

Scheduled Reading DateNext.scheduled.date.for.read-ing.the.water.meter..Can.vary.3-5.days.before.or.after.this.date.

Deposit on AccountThe.amount.of.deposit.being.held.on.your.account.

Web Payment EZ PayTo.pay.your.bill.online,.visit.www.pinellascounty.org/utilities (select.“EZPay.Utility.Bill”.from.“Billing”.menu).

Pay with Visa or MasterCardComplete.the.information.on.this..stub.to.pay.by.credit.card.

Meter ReadingsProvides.information.on.which.your.water.charges.are.based.(sewer.charges.also.in.some.cases).

Delinquent DateYour.payment.is.due.upon.receipt.and.is.delinquent.(and.subject.to.a.Late.Payment.Fee).if.not.received.in.our.office.by.the.date.shown.

Account NumberFor.faster.service,.please.refer.to.this.number.when.calling.Utilities.Customer.Service.

InformationMessageSpecial.messages.concerning.water.service.and.other.items.of.interest.appear.in.this.space..

Evacuation LevelHurricane.evacuation.level.based.on.the.service.address..For.questions,..call.(727) 464-3800.

Statement DateThe.date.your.bill.was.issued.

Same PeriodLast YearAmount.of.water.(1,000.gallons).used.for.the.same.billing.period.12.months.ago.

ConsumptionThe.amount.of.water.usage.(in.1,000.gallons).that.registered.on.your..meter.for.your.water.(sewer.charges.also.in.some.cases)..This.is.the.difference.(in.1,000.gallons).between.the.current.and.previous.readings.

Amount DuePayments.received.after.the.delinquent.date.are.subject.to.a.Late.Payment.Fee.(10%.of.balance.due.—.$1.minimum,.$500.maximum).

Return StubSeparate.at.the.perforation.and.return.bottom.portion.with.your.payment.or.credit.card.information.for..proper.credit.

CurrentMost.recent.reading..obtained.from.the.meter.

PriorReading.obtained.from..previous.meter.reading.

Public EducationPinellas.County.Utilities.has.a.long-term.commitment.to.promoting.water.conservation.through.its.award-winning.public.awareness.programs..Through.Pinellas.County.Utilities.dedication.to.water.conservation.education,.public.awareness.of.responsible.conservation.practices.has.increased.significantly..

In.fact,.thanks.to.conservation-minded.citizens,.Pinellas.County.boasts.one.of.the.lowest.per.capita.water.usage.rates.in.the.Nation.–.72.gallons.per.person.per.day..The.continuing.reductions.in.water.usage.are.a.testament.to.Pinellas.County.residents’.growing.support.of.water.conservation.initiatives..

Easy Ways to Save Water Every Day•. Economize—Wasted.water.can.be.wasted.money..

Thousands.of.gallons.go.down.the.drain.needlessly.every.day..Be.conscious.of.the.amount.of.water.you.use.

•. Repair.leaks—A.leak.of.one.drop.per.second.wastes.2,400.gallons.per.year.

•. Use.water-saving.devices..They.are.FREE.to.Pinellas.County.Utilities.customers—while.supplies.last..

•. Reuse.water—Reclaimed.water.for.outdoor.irrigation.is.available.to.some.Pinellas.County.Utilities.customers..Collect.rainwater.to.water.plants.

89-90 90-91 91-92 92-93 93-94 94-95 95-96 96-97 97-98 98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-0940

60

80

100

120

140

160153

138

125 122118

113106 106 105

110 110 107100

9693 93

89 89 88

72

•. Utilize.an.alternate,.non-potable.water.source.for.irrigation.such.as.shallow.wells,.deep.wells,.or.other.systems.that.utilize.surface.water.sources.such.as.ponds,.lakes,.or.canals.

•. Commercial.businesses.can.contact.Pinellas.County.Utilities.for.assistance.in.identifying.ways.to.reduce.water.consumption..

Indoor Conservation Tips•. Install.an.Ultra.Low.Flow.Toilet•. Install.low-flow.aerators.and.showerheads.(less.than.three.

gallons.per.minute).•. Run.less.water.in.the.tub.when.you.bathe.•. Only.wash.full.loads.in.the.washing.machine.and.

dishwasher.•. Rinse.dishes.or.food.in.a.pan;.don’t.rinse.under..

running.water.•. Turn.water.off.while.brushing.your.teeth.or.shaving.

Outdoor Conservation Tips•. Water.only.when.your.grass.shows.signs.of.stress.(wilting,.

discoloration,.or.when.footprints.are.visible.after.you.walk.on.it).

•. Add.a.rain.sensor.to.your.lawn.sprinkler.system.to.automatically.shut.off.the.water.when.it.rains.

•. Water.only.in.the.morning.when.evaporation.levels.are.the.lowest,.and.sprinkle.only.on.authorized.days.and.during.designated.hours.

•. Use.sprinklers.that.throw.big.drops.of.water.close.to.the.ground..Smaller.drops.and.mist.often.evaporate.before.they.hit.the.ground.

•. Consider.a.Florida-friendly.landscape..Plant.native,.drought-tolerant.or.adapted.plants.in.your.yard..Newly.planted.Florida-friendly.landscaping.only.requires.about.30.days.of.irrigation..After.this.time,.natural.rainfall.is.the.only.watering.needed!

•. Use.“drip”.irrigation.for.plants.and.shrubs..This.method.places.water.at.the.base.of.the.plant.where.it.is.less.prone.to.evaporation,.reducing.the.potential.for.over-watering.

Solid Waste DisposalIn.addition.to.providing.quality.water.and.wastewater.treatment.services,.Pinellas.County.Utilities.offers.valuable.environmental.programs.through.its.Department.of.Solid.Waste.Operations.

Every.year,.as.much.as.two.million.tons.of.trash.are.generated.in.Pinellas.County..This.amounts.to.10.pounds.of.waste.per.person.per.day..To.meet.this.disposal.challenge,.an.integrated.approach.to.solid.waste.management.is.used..It.incorporates.waste.reduction,.recycling,.waste-to-energy,.and.landfilling.

Waste Reduction.is.a.vital.part.of.Pinellas.County.Utilities.conservation.initiatives..Citizens.can.reduce.the.amount.of.trash.they.produce.each.day.by.following.these.simple.tips:

•. Choose.items.with.less.packaging•. Avoid.disposable.products•.. Donate.reusable.items.to.charity•. Leave.grass.clippings.on.the.lawn•. Compost

Recycling.saves.natural.resources.by.recovering.materials.that.can.be.remanufactured.into.new.products..Pinellas.County.currently.recycles.between.one-quarter.and.one-third.of.the.waste.generated.each.year.

Additional.information.about.local.waste.reduction,.reuse,.and.recycling.options.is.provided.in.our.A.to.Z.“Get.Rid.of.It”.Guide.at.www.pinellascounty.org/recycle.

Waste-to-Energy,.Pinellas.County.Utilities.primary.method.for.waste.disposal,.is.an.environmentally.sound.process.which.generates.electricity.from.waste..Garbage.disposed.of.at.the.Waste-to-Energy.facility.is.combusted.to.produce.electricity..This.electricity.is.then.sold.to.Progress.Energy.Corporation..Metals.are.extracted.from.the.ash.and.recycled..Ash.is.used.to.cover.waste.disposed.of.in.the.landfill.

Landfilling.is.a.disposal.method.used.to.manage.wastes.that.are.not.combusted.or.recycled..Pinellas.County’s.sanitary.landfill.uses.a.clay.liner.system.which.protects.the.surrounding.environment..Waste.is.buried.and.compacted.to.maximize.the.life.of.the.landfill..Less.than.40.percent.of.the.County’s.waste.is.landfilled,.mostly.consisting.of.ash.from.the.Waste-to-Energy.facility.

The Household Electronics & Chemical Collection Center (HEC3).and.Mobile.Collection.events.provide.a.free.and.safe.disposal.location.for.items.such.as:

Visit.our.Swap Shop (at.the.permanent.HEC3.facility),.which.offers.residents.and.customers.used.household.products.such.as.paint,.cleaners,.and.automotive.fluids.FREE.of.charge..The.facility.is.conveniently.located.at.2855.109th.Avenue.North.in.St..Petersburg..Refer.to.www.pinellascounty.org/utilities,.or.call.(727).464-7500..for.more.information..

Pinellas.County.Utilities.has.partnered.with.area.businesses.that.serve.as.Used Oil Collection.sites..All.used.oil.should.be.placed.in.a.clean.plastic.container.with.a.lid..Visit.www.pinellascounty.org/recycle,.or.call.(727).464-7500.for.detailed.information.and.locations..Used.oil.is.also.accepted.at.the.Household.Electronics.&.Chemical.Collection.Center.and.Mobile.Collection.events.

The.EnviroBusiness Collection.is.held.monthly.on.the.second.Wednesday.at.the.Household.Electronics.&.Chemical.Collection.Center..It.is.an.inexpensive.and.convenient.way.for.responsible.businesses.to.dispose.of.their.hazardous.waste..Many.businesses.don’t.even.realize.that.items.such.as.toner.cartridges,.fluorescent.light.bulbs,.computers,.and.cleaners.are.hazardous.materials.that.need.to.be.disposed.of.properly.

Pinellas County’s Reefs.utilize.large.volumes.of.concrete.debris,.culverts,.steel,.decontaminated.vessels,.and.pilings.to.create.underwater.habitats.for.marine.life.in.the.Gulf.of.Mexico..Recycling.construction.and.demolition.material.to.build.these.reefs.saves.valuable.space.in.the.county’s.landfill.and.increases.the.fish.population.in.the.Gulf..

The.Yard Waste Recycling.program.takes.grass.clippings,.leaves,.palm.fronds,.and.other.yard.waste.and.grinds.them.into.mulch..The.recycled.mulch.is.processed.to.remove.weed.seeds..It.is.then.offered.to.citizens.FREE.of.charge..There.are.20.free.mulch.pick.up.locations.county-wide..Visit.www.pinellascounty.org/recycle.or.call.(727).464-7500.for.more.information.

•..paints•..pesticides•..pool.chemicals•..automotive.fluids•..solvents

•..wood.preservatives........•..household.cleaners•..fluorescent.bulbs•..paint.thinners

•..marine.flares•..household. .batteries•..electronics

Q.Q. What is “hard” water?

A.“Hard”.water.is.water.that.is.high.in.minerals.such.as.calcium.and.magnesium..Some.of.these.minerals.are.essential.for.health..However,.laundry.washed.in.hard.water.may,.appear.less.clean..Water.softeners.may.help,.but.if.you.are.on.a.low-sodium.diet,.the.softener.should.not.be.attached.to.water.lines.used.for.drinking.or.cooking..Potassium.chloride.can.also.be.used.in.place.of.sodium.chloride.in.your.water.softener.

Q. Can home filters improve the taste of drinking water?

A..Some.may,.as.they.remove.minerals.and/or.the.disinfectant.added.during.treatment..Another.way.to.improve.the.taste.is.to.refrigerate.tap.water.in.a.clean.container..If.you.use.filters,.maintain.them.regularly.and.carefully.as.they.can.become.breeding.grounds..for.bacteria.

Q. Should I be concerned about companies selling water purification systems?

A..In.the.past,.some.businesses.have.approached.homeowners.to.test.their.water.in.an.attempt.to.sell.filtering.devices..Some.have.used.corporate.names,.vehicles,.and.uniforms.which.resemble.those.of.Pinellas.County.Utilities..Always.check.for.proper.identification.or.call.Pinellas.County.Utilities.to.confirm.the.identity.of.the.individual..Pinellas.County.Utilities.does.not.sell.or.endorse.any.water.filtration.or.purification.products.

Q. My bill seems higher than usual. What do I do?

A..Your.bill.is.based.on.how.much.water.passes.through.your.meter..Consider.some.of.the.water.conservation.tips.listed.on.pages.16.and.17..Undetected.leaks.can.sometimes.run.your.costs.up..See.page.13.for.information.on.how.to.detect.leaks..

A.Q. Where do I take my newspapers, aluminum cans, and plastics for recycling?

A..There.are.15.recycling.collection.centers.in.unincorporated.Pinellas.County.for.newspapers,.mixed.paper,.cardboard,.aluminum.cans,.plastic.bottles,.and.steel.cans..Many.areas.within.Pinellas.County.also.provide.collection.centers.and/or.curbside.collection..Call.(727).464-7500.or.visit.www.pinellascounty.org/recycle.for.a.list.of.locations.

.Q. How do I dispose of old household electronic equipment such as TVs and computers, as well as old paints, automotive fluids, and other household chemical wastes?

A..The.Household.Electronics.&.Chemical.Collection.Center.accepts.household.electronics..Disposal.of.these.items.is.FREE.of.charge..The.Center,.located.at.2855.109th.Avenue.North.in.St..Petersburg,.is.open:.Monday.–..Friday,.6:00.a.m..–.6:00.p.m.;.and.Saturdays,.7.a.m..–.5.p.m..Visit.www.pinellascounty.org/utilities,.or.call.(727).464-7500.or.for.more.information.including.a.schedule.of.Saturday.Mobile.Collection.events.

Q. Where do I learn the proper way to dispose of unusual or difficult items?

A..A.handy.A.to.Z.Guide.is.available.on-line.with.recycling.and.disposal.information.for.over.250.items.at:.www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/recycle.

For.great.tips.to.help.the.environment.(and.save.money),.visit.www.pinellascounty.org/utilities/green.–.small changes that can make a big difference.

.Visit.our.convenient.office.location.to.pay.your.bill.or.to.obtain.complete.information..

on.any.of.our.services.

Clearwater Office14.South.Fort.Harrison.Avenue

Clearwater,.FL..33756Monday.-.Friday...8.a.m..-.5.p.m.

(Drop box south of building located in parking lot behind Peace Memorial Church)

Pinellas County Government Center29582.U.S..Hwy.19.NorthClearwater,.FL..33761

General Maintenance Division - South

6730.142nd.Avenue.NorthLargo,.FL..33771

City of St. Pete Beach155.Corey.Avenue

St..Petersburg,.FL..33706

(727) 464-4000www.pinellascounty.org/utilities