State water officials have extended the once-a-week watering restrictions, just weeks after the Tampa Water Department, with the support of the Tampa City Council, decided to make them permanent.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) governing board voted to extend one-day-per-week watering restrictions in place for Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties through December 31, 2024 as the Tampa Bay region continues to recover from drought conditions. At the end of July, SWFWMD faced a 12-month rainfall deficit of about 5.1 inches.
The Tampa Water Department wants to remind customers that a newly passed City ordinance already limits outdoor watering to once-a-week in the City of Tampa.
On August 1, 2024, the Tampa City Council approved to keep once-a-week watering restrictions year-round in an effort to conserve water. The ordinance impacts residents and businesses who use city drinking water or well water to irrigate. The once-a-week watering limit will continue, even when regional restrictions are lifted.
By keeping the one day a week limit, the City of Tampa is better positioned to protect its water resources, prepare for future droughts, and maintain the City’s water supply for generations to come. The Tampa Water Department estimates that the once-a-week watering limit will also help the City of Tampa save more than a billion gallons of water compared to the previous two-days-per-week limit.
Irrigation with reclaimed water is not restricted, so long as it is not used in a wasteful and unnecessary manner. Reclaimed water is currently available in certain portions of the South Tampa area. For more information on how to connect to reclaimed water, visit tampa.gov/ReclaimedWater.
The Tampa Water Department provides help for residents and businesses looking to reduce their water use, including:
- Free Water-Saving Devices
- Information on Seasonal Irrigation & Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM
- Irrigation Evaluations
More information on these resources is available at tampa.gov/SaveWater.
Customers can also find their designated watering day, as well as more information on the restrictions, by visiting tampa.gov/WaterRestrictions.