TAMPA, Fla. – Due to ongoing drought-like conditions and the need to conserve water resources, Tampa city leaders are proposing to make the current once-a-week watering restrictions permanent.
The restrictions, initially mandated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) in December for Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties, have proven effective in reducing Tampa’s water consumption from an average of 82 Million Gallons a Day (MGD) to about 78 MGD.
The Tampa City Council will vote on the measure on Thursday, August 1st. If approved, the restrictions will apply to all users who water with the City’s drinking water or well water, prohibiting watering between 8:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Reclaimed water customers will still be able to water at any time, as long as it is not done wastefully.
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“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.”
Property owners who violate the restrictions may face fines ranging from $100 to $500.
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