The region received below average rainfall during the summer, rainy season, and, as of December, there’s a 13-inch rainfall deficit compared to the historical average 12-month total, according to the SWFMD website.

“Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected at this time of year,” the agency said.

Water shortage restrictions are in effect through July 1. They 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 cities of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County; and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County.

Lawn Watering Restrictions

These restrictions reduce lawn watering to one day per week throughout the district, including residents on private wells.

Residents should check with their city or county for their allowable day and times, as many have different schedules or stricter hours in effect.

Here is the SWFMD standard watering schedule based on addresses ending in:

0 or 1, only water on Monday2 or 3, only water on Tuesday4 or 5, only water on Wednesday6 or 7, only water on Thursday8 or 9, as well as locations with a mix of addresses or for which an address can’t be determined, such as common areas associated with a subdivision, only water on Friday

Watering hours are limited to 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., the agency said. Properties less than one acre may only use one of these windows.

Low-volume watering (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) of plants and shrubs (not lawns) is allowed any day and any time.

New Lawns and Plants

New lawns and plants have a 60-day establishment period. On days one through 30, they may be watered any day of the week.

During days 31 through 60, irrigation is limited to one application on each of three specified days. Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Odd-numbered addresses may be watered on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Cemeteries and other properties 2 or more acres are allowed to use an alternative schedule to provide three days of irrigation per week from day 31 through day 60 as long as a written schedule is established and followed.

From day 31 through day 60, properties with no discernable address, such as common areas and rights of way, are permitted to provide establishment period irrigation on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

Reclaimed Water

Reclaimed water is only subject to voluntary watering hours, unless restricted by the local government or utility.

Fountains, Car Washing and Pressure Washing

Annual pressure washing or in preparation for painting and sealing is allowed.

No homeowners association or other entity can 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.

Non-commercial car washing at home is only allowed on that home’s lawn watering day and a hose with a shutoff nozzle must be used.

Aesthetic fountain use is limited to eight hours a day. There are exemptions for koi ponds, small fountains, interactive commercial/institutional recreation areas and other incidental uses.