In an effort to continue to conserve Tampa's invaluable water resources, city leaders are proposing to make the emergency once-a-week watering restrictions permanent. First ordered by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) in December for Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, the City of Tampa is hoping to make them the standard moving forward.
Despite experiencing some rainfall in July, the region's water resources, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, have not yet fully recovered to normal levels. On average, Tampa consumes 82 Million Gallons a Day (MGD). Since the restrictions went into effect, total usage has decreased to about 78 MGD.
Studies report Florida homeowners use an average of 991 gallons of water every time they irrigate. Excessive irrigation is one of the leading water usage problems and in many cases accounts for 50% of a household's water use.
"Water is our most precious resource and we must take bold steps to conserve it, especially when Mother Nature's signals are clear," said Mayor Jane Castor. "Given our drought-like conditions, making the once-a-week watering restrictions permanent is the sensible thing to do in order to ensure our water is used wisely, instead of wasted."
On Thursday, August 1, 2024, the Tampa City Council will be voting on the measure.
Currently, the watering restrictions apply to all users that are watering with the City's drinking water or well water. Watering is prohibited between 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Reclaimed water customers can water any day and any time, as long as it is not in a wasteful and unnecessary manner.
In Tampa, citations are issued at the first observance from a water use enforcement patroller. Property owners who violate the City's Water Use Restrictions are subject to fines, ranging from $100 to $500.
View the current watering schedule or get additional information on water restrictions.