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Tampa Republic

Friday, November 15, 2024

Tampa extends permanent once-a-week watering restriction amid ongoing drought recovery

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Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website

Mayor Jane Castor, City Of Tampa | City Of Tampa website

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 keeping 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 as long as it is not used wastefully and unnecessarily. Reclaimed water is currently available in certain portions of South Tampa. 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 through:

- 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 and more information on restrictions by visiting tampa.gov/WaterRestrictions.

Contact:

306 East Jackson Street

Tampa, Florida 33602

(813) 274-8211

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