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Although Hillsborough County may have gotten some rain recently, effective immediately, tighter water restrictions are now in effect. That includes limiting lawn watering to once a week.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District has declared a Modified Phase III Water Shortage for the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. The declaration is in response to drier-than-normal conditions following last year's below-average rainfall, which has caused low water levels throughout the district's 16-county region.
As of March 13, 2013, the new schedule for watering established lawns and landscaping throughout Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace, is:
- Addresses ending in 0 or 1 - Mondays ONLY
- Addresses ending in 2 or 3 - Tuesdays ONLY
- Addresses ending in 4 or 5 - Wednesdays ONLY
- Addresses ending in 6 or 7 - Thursdays ONLY
- Addresses ending in 8 or 9, locations with no address, and locations with mixed addresses (such as office complexes and shopping centers) - Fridays ONLY
All watering must be done before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
The tighter restrictions apply to all residents - not just customers of public utilities - and most water sources. That includes private wells, and ponds or lakes that are used as alternate irrigation supplies.
Reclaimed water customers are exempt from the water restrictions, although these customers are encouraged to use only what they need.
Other highlights of the Modified Phase III Water Shortage restrictions include:
Landscape Watering
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Hand watering and micro-irrigation of flower beds, shrubs and other plants (other than lawns) can be done on any day, if needed, but is limited to allowable watering hours.
New Lawns & Plants -
New lawns and plants have a 60-day establishment period. On days 1-30, they may be watered any day of the week. During days 31-60, they may be watered three days a week. Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Odd-numbered addresses may be watered on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Rights-of-way and other "no address" locations may be watered on Sunday, Tuesday and Friday. -
Except on the day of installation or when sprigs are being grown, establishment watering must be done during allowable watering hours. -
Be able to supply proof of installation date upon request.
Fountains
Vehicle Washing
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Car washing is limited to once per week on the designated watering day for the location. -
Fundraising car washes cannot be scheduled after the effective date of these restrictions. -
Commercial car washes, including mobile detailing businesses, may still operate on any day. -
Fire engines and other emergency vehicles may still be washed on any day as needed. -
Boats can be rinsed and boat engines can be flushed after each use.
Other Water Uses
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Restaurants shall only serve water upon request. -
Other than athletic play areas, including golf, football, baseball and other athletic fields, all lawn and landscape areas must comply with the once-per-week restrictions.
Deed Restrictions & Community Standards Enforcement -
Homeowners associations and other entities must suspend any requirement to replace lawns, pressure wash or engage in other activity that increases water use during this water shortage declaration.
The tighter restrictions are in place until at least July 31, 2013.
For complete information on these and other restrictions in unincorporated Hillsborough County - as well as links to information from the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace - visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/water. Or, call 813-275-7094 for a recorded message, or the Water Conservation Team at 813-272-5977, ext. 43991, during regular business hours.
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