As the Tampa Bay region continues to experience drier-than-normal weather conditions, residents will continue to only be allowed to irrigate their lawns once-a-week.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) is extending the watering restrictions in place for Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and Pinellas County until September 1, 2024. Officially referred to as the “Modified Phase 1 Water Shortage Order,” the once-a-week watering restrictions initially went into effect on December 1, 2023.
In Tampa, citations are issued at the first observance from a water use enforcement patroller. Property owners who violate the City’s Water Use Restrictions are subject to fines ranging from $100 up to $500. Repeated violations may also result in a mandatory court appearance.
“We want to thank our City of Tampa Water customers for their continued commitment in abiding by the current water restrictions,” said Rory Jones, Water Department Director. “Your cooperation is crucial in ensuring the sustainability of our water resources. Since enacting the water restrictions, you have conserved more than one billion gallons of water compared to the same time last year! Together, we can make a significant difference in maintaining the health and availability of our water system for everyone.”
According to SWFWMD, the 12-month rainfall deficit through May 2024 is currently at about 7.4 inches. Despite seeing some rainfall in June, our region’s water resources, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, have not yet fully recovered back to normal levels.
In Tampa, these restrictions apply to all users that are watering with either the City’s drinking water or well water. Reclaimed water customers can water any day and any time, so long as it is not in a wasteful and unnecessary manner.
Watering days are based on the last number of the street address as shown in the watering schedule below:
The City of Tampa Water Department offers resources to residents and businesses who are looking to reduce their water use, including offering free water-saving devices, irrigation evaluations, and water conservation workshops.
Watering is prohibited between 8:00am and 6pm in the Central Florida counties. Wasteful use of water, such as hosing down driveways, is also prohibited. According to SWFWMD, some local governments such as unincorporated Citrus County, Hernando County and Sarasota County, and the cities of Dunedin and Venice, have local ordinances that remain on one-day-per-week schedules.
