Updated Water Restrictions For Tampa Bay
There are some updated water restrictions for Tampa Bay. So the Southwest Florida Water Management District governing board voted this month to extend the one day per week watering restrictions. Those were extended for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. The water restrictions for Tampa Bay actually went into effect back in November 2023 and we’re scheduled to go until July 1st but it now has been extended until September 1st.
Water Restrictions For Tampa Bay Watering Days
Firstly, if your address ends in a 0 or 1, you can water only on Monday. Secondly, if your address ends in 2 or 3, you can only water on Tuesday. Additionally, if your address ends in 4 or 5 you can water only on Wednesday. If your address ends in a 6 or 7, you can water only on Thursday. Finally, if your address ends in an 8 or a 9, you can water only on Friday.
Worried about your plants and gardens? Hand watering and micro-irrigation of landscapes, such as flowering plants, vines, shrubs, palms, trees, ornamental grasses and groundcover (other than lawn/turfgrass) is allowed any day and any time. Car washing and pressure washing (for necessary maintenance) is allowed.
You can find out all the information on the Southwest Florida Water Management District website. They also go on to say that unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, properties under two acres in size may only water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Finally, unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, properties two acres or larger may only water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
What happens if you’re caught breaking these restrictions? Citations are issued on first observance by a water use enforcement patroller. Violating water use restrictions in Tampa may result in fines up to $500 and a mandatory court appearance.
How Bad Is the Drought In Tampa Bay?
So, I know what you’re thinking why are we still having water restrictions in Tampa Bay? So even after all the rain that’s been coming down lately. The Tampa Bay area and surrounding counties are still abnormally dry according to the U.S. drought monitor. In fact, Our region continues to experience a regional rainfall deficit of about 7.4 inches based on data obtained between April 2023 and May 2024. Now, normally dry may sound bad, but it is only one step above the intensity of ‘none’. You know there will still be afternoon thunderstorms, so hopefully the water restrictions for Tampa Bay will be lifted soon.
6 Ways To Celebrate July 4th Around Tampa That's Not A Firework Show
Tarpon Springs Annual Fourth of July Picnic
Happening at Craig Park, (100 Library Ln, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689) from 10a-1p. Enjoy food, activities, games, music, water slides and food.
Lutz Fourth of July Celebration and Parade
Kick of your July 4th morning with a one-mile fun run followed by a Flag Ceremony with Boy Scout Troop 12 and Civil Air Patrol. The parade begins at 10:00 with a cake auction fundraiser at the Lutz Civic Center just after the parade ends. (101 W. Lutz Lake Fern Rd., Lutz)
