The Southwest Florida Water Management District declared a severe water shortage Tuesday, imposing one-day-per-week watering restrictions for most of Tampa Bay.
TAMPA, Fla. — The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board has declared a “severe” water shortage, prompting water usage restrictions for most of the Tampa Bay area.
The modified phase II “severe” water shortage was issued due to dry conditions across the region. Beginning Feb. 8 through July 1, residents — including those on private wells — must follow one-day-per-week lawn watering restrictions.
The restrictions apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands and Lake counties; the city of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County.
Right now, the area is at a 13-inch regional deficit due to below-average rainfall this past summer. Plus, the district says water resources, such as aquifers, rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline and many are below normal.
Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected at this time of year.
Lawn watering restrictions
According to SWFWMD, outdoor water use accounts for more than 50% of water used by households. Residents should check with their city or county for the days and times they’re allowed to water their lawns.
SWFWMD shared this standard schedule for lawn watering:
If your address (house number) ends in…
…0 or 1, water only on Monday…2 or 3, water only on Tuesday…4 or 5, water only on Wednesday…6 or 7, water only on Thursday…8 or 9*, water only on Friday (* and locations without a discernible address)
Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, properties under two acres in size may only water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, properties two acres or larger may only water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Low-volume watering of plants and shrubs (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) is allowed any day or time.
Other restrictions listed in the modified phase II water shortage order include:
Annual pressure washing or in preparation for painting and sealing is allowed.No HOA or other entity shall enforce deed restrictions or other community standards requiring an increase in water use, including replacement of plant material to meet aesthetic standards or pressure washing.Car washing at home (non-commercial) is only allowed on your lawn watering day.Aesthetic fountains are limited to eight hours a day.
Also under the new order, local utilities are required to step up enforcement.
People living in affected counties can find out more about what is and isn’t allowed under the Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order at WaterMatters.org/Restrictions.