The drought is also fueling brush fires to take place including one in Hernando County that prompted evacuations.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Starting Friday, the Tampa Bay area will be under tighter water restrictions amid dry conditions affecting millions of Floridians.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District declared a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage, meaning fewer opportunities to use water in order to preserve supply.
A brush fire that spread in Hernando County Sunday and prompted evacuations is a reminder of how fast fires can spread in much drier conditions. Much of the Tampa Bay area remains under at least moderate, severe or extreme drought.
Water conservation is prompting some residents, including couple Sabine von Aulock and Jeri Huempfner-Gatz of St. Pete, to take on more responsibility and do their part.
“Everybody can do one thing and that one thing right now might be conserving water and it’s a huge impact,” von Aulock said.
Huempfner-Gatz said gardening just happened one day and never stopped. While it takes time and effort to tend to the garden, both said it’s still possible to do so while avoiding unnecessary water use.
While it’s a much drier season, von Aulock said if everyone does their part, it can help prevent water shortages from getting worse.
“This is the driest it’s been in about the last 50 years,” Tampa Bay Water Chief Science Officer Warren Hogg said in an interview with 10 Tampa Bay earlier this month.
Lela Braunsch with the Florida Forest Service said very dry conditions, along with strong wind gusts, helped fuel the fire in Hernando County on Sunday. Fire risk remains high statewide due to the drought-like conditions, and officials stress extreme caution with any burning.
“It’s so dry that we desperately need some rain,” Braunsch said.
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. Anyone found violating the rules until at least July could face fines.
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