Tampa, FL – Water officials across the Tampa Bay region have implemented stricter lawn watering restrictions as prolonged dry weather continues to reduce local water supplies.
Authorities say the region is experiencing one of its most serious drought conditions in decades after months of below average rainfall caused river flows and groundwater levels to drop.
The shortage has placed pressure on the system that provides drinking water to millions of residents across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties.
Tampa Bay Water officials say the drought has significantly reduced the amount of water available from rivers that normally help supply the region.
Monitoring stations along rivers such as the Alafia River measure water flow, water quality, and other conditions to determine whether water can be withdrawn. In recent weeks, those flows have been too low for normal withdrawals.
Because of the declining supply, the regional utility declared an extreme regional water shortage under its Stage 3 water shortage plan.
Officials say the declaration allows water managers to adjust how water is drawn from reservoirs, groundwater wells, and desalination facilities to maintain supply.
Local governments and the Southwest Florida Water Management District have also tightened lawn irrigation rules.
In many areas, residents and businesses are now limited to watering their lawns only once per week during designated hours.
Officials say the restrictions are designed to reduce unnecessary outdoor water use while maintaining stable drinking water supplies during the drought.
While the region still has water available through a combination of sources, conservation measures are considered necessary until rainfall increases and river flows recover.