Starting April 3, all Tampa Bay area residents will be limited to one day of lawn watering per week within a smaller window of time.
TAMPA, Fla. — The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage due to worsening drought conditions across the region.
The new order requires residents across Tampa Bay — including Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco and Sarasota counties — to limit lawn watering to just one day per week with stricter time restrictions. This also includes people on well water.
Unless local governments already have tighter rules in place, watering is only allowed between 12:01 a.m. and 4 a.m., or 8 p.m. to midnight.
Officials say the area is facing significantly below-average rainfall, and water levels in lakes, rivers and aquifers continue to decline.
Michelle Hopkins with the water management district says multiple factors are closely monitored before making a decision like this, including rainfall totals and water levels across the region, as officials assess the growing need for stricter conservation measures.
New watering rules for Tampa Bay
The restrictions go beyond just limiting when you can water your lawn.
Lawn watering: One day per week only, during overnight hours (before 4 a.m. or after 8 p.m.)Car washing: Only allowed on your assigned watering day — and you must use a hose with a shutoff nozzleFountains: Limited to four hours per dayRestaurants: Will only serve water upon request
Your assigned watering day depends on your address — typically based on the last digit of your house number.
If your address (house number) ends in:
0 or 1, water only on Monday2 or 3, water only on Tuesday4 or 5, water only on Wednesday6 or 7, water only on Thursday8 or 9, water only on Friday
Fines for watering violations
Those who do not follow the new watering rules could face penalties. Under the Phase III order, local governments and utilities now have the authority to issue citations.
There will be a short grace period, but not for long.
After two weeks, residents who violate the restrictions could be cited immediately by local enforcement, without receiving a warning first. That means failing to follow the new schedule could result in fines.
How long will the restrictions last?
The current order is set to remain in place through July 1, but officials say it could be extended if drought conditions continue.
Residents are also encouraged to check with their local city or county, as some areas may have even stricter rules in place.
Why this matters now
With water supplies already lower than normal for this time of year, officials say these measures are necessary to protect the region’s resources before conditions worsen.
In short, this isn’t just about your lawn. It’s about making sure there’s enough water for everyone in the months ahead.
For additional information about the Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order, visit the District’s website WaterMatters.org/Restrictions.
For water conserving tips, visit WaterMatters.org/Water101.