Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website
Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website
City leaders in Tampa are proposing to make the emergency once-a-week watering restrictions permanent, aiming to conserve the city's water resources. Initially ordered by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) in December for Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, Tampa hopes to standardize these measures.
Despite some rainfall in July, regional water resources such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs have not fully recovered. On average, Tampa consumes 82 million gallons of water daily (MGD). Since implementing the restrictions, usage has decreased to about 78 MGD.
Studies indicate that Florida homeowners use an average of 991 gallons of water per irrigation session. Excessive irrigation is a significant issue, often accounting for 50% of household 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."
The Tampa City Council will vote on this measure on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
Currently, the watering restrictions apply to all users utilizing the City's drinking or well water. Watering is prohibited between 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Reclaimed water customers can irrigate any day at any time if done responsibly.
In Tampa, citations are issued upon first observation by a water use enforcement patroller. Property owners violating the City's Water Use Restrictions face fines ranging from $100 to $500.
For more information on current watering schedules or additional details on water restrictions:
Contact
306 East Jackson Street
Tampa, Florida 33602
(813) 274-8211
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