In March, the Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board declared a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to dry conditions across the region. After our April WOW went to press, the District announced they that the level will shift to a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage on April 6. Tampa Bay Water also issued a Stage 3 Extreme Regional Supply Shortage due to significant rainfall and river flow deficits and projected low regional reservoir levels.
In response, Hillsborough County issued a one-day-per-week watering restriction through July 1, 2026 for those who do not have reclaimed water. Use of reclaimed water, which is used for irrigation in Westchase and many of the surrounding communities, is exempt from the one-day-per week restriction, but sprinklers can only run before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Residents on reclaimed water should also be conservative with their watering schedule.
Hand watering
Hand-watering and low-volume irrigation of plant material other than lawn of turfgrass is limited to before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Decorative fountains, car washing, pressure washing
- The use of any fountain or water feature is allowed provided it is properly maintained and also recycles water, exclusively uses reclaimed water, or provides a necessary water quality benefit. Fountains use is limited to four hours a day
- Car washing is allowed at home (non-commercial) using hoses equipped with self-canceling or automatic shutoff nozzles, sponges, and buckets and is on is only allowed on your lawn watering day.
- Pressure washing of sidewalks, driveways, patios and other impervious surfaces is allowed for public health and safety or an annual pressure washing in preparation for painting and sealing. Pressure washing should not be used to clean away materials that can be removed with a broom or other dry methods.
- Non-commercial annual aesthetic pressure washing is prohibited.
Tampa Bay Water is asking residents to save water by making conservation part of daily routines. Here are some simple steps to follow:
- Turn off the water when you brush your teeth and save two minutes of running water every time you brush.
- Wait until summer when it’s raining to plant or sod. New plants and sod need a lot of water to establish; March April, and May are the driest three months of the year.
- Fix household leaks. The big four leaks are broken sprinkler heads, leaking irrigation lines, leaky pipes or faucets, and leaking toilet flappers.
- Take five-minute showers. Play your favorite five-minute song and get out before the song ends.
Tampa Bay Water is the largest wholesale water supplier in Florida, providing high-quality drinking water to its members, who in turn supply water to more than 2.6 million residents of the Tampa Bay area.
Learn more about water restrictions at HCFL.gov/WaterRestrictions. Visit HCFL.gov/WaterConservation for more water conservation tips.