Under our current water restrictions, people are limited to watering their lawns once a week and only during designated hours.

TAMPA, Fla. — Since the water shortage started on Dec. 1, more than 430 Tampa Water Department customers have received citations for violating watering restrictions.

That’s nearly 30% more people than this time last year, according to city officials. 

The water department says most of those violations happened in high-use areas, where customers often exceed 10,000 gallons of water use per month. Officials said they’re now increasing water enforcement patrols in those areas.



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Those who receive citations could face fines starting at $100 for the first violation, so it’s a good idea to make sure you’re complying with the rules in place, especially as our extreme drought conditions continue.

Here’s a look at the restrictions currently in place under the Southwest Florida Water Management District Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage.


Watering restrictions in place across Tampa Bay

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 running for 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


Tampa offers free water-saving devices

To avoid costly citations and help the region conserve water, the Tampa Water Department is offering several free resources, including:

Free 1:1 irrigation evaluations: An official will come on site to help you locate leaks, correct irrigation controller issues, install a free rain sensor and find ways to save you money.Waived reclaimed water fees: Application and meter installation fees will be waived through Dec. 31, 2026, for customers who have access to reclaimed water but have not yet connected to the system.Florida-Friendly Landscaping assistance: FFL-certified professionals will help you create a water-wise yard.Free water-saving devices: Residents can get free water-saving tools and leak detection devices to help improve water efficiency in their homes.

The Tampa Water Department says customers who participate in the irrigation evaluation program are saving an average of 5,000 gallons of water per month.

Those with questions about water restrictions can contact the Tampa Water Department’s Conservation and Efficiency Team at (813) 274-8121 and select option 5 or email SaveWater@tampa.gov.