TAMPA, Fla. – The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has extended its once-a-week watering restrictions through December 31, 2024, as the Tampa Bay region continues to recover from drought conditions.
This decision comes just weeks after the Tampa Water Department, with the support of the Tampa City Council, made the one-day-per-week watering rule a permanent measure for city residents.
The SWFWMD governing board’s decision affects Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties. The region has experienced a 12-month rainfall deficit of about 5.1 inches as of July, leading to the extended restrictions.
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The Tampa Water Department also reminds customers that, as of August 1, 2024, the City of Tampa adopted a new ordinance enforcing year-round, once-a-week watering limits. This rule applies to all residents and businesses using city drinking water or well water for irrigation, even if regional restrictions are later lifted.
By maintaining the one-day-per-week restriction, Tampa aims to conserve its water resources, prepare for future droughts, and ensure a sustainable water supply for years to come. The Tampa Water Department estimates that this measure will help the city save more than a billion gallons of water compared to the previous two-day-per-week limit.
Irrigation with reclaimed water is not restricted, as long as it is not used wastefully. Reclaimed water is available in certain areas of South Tampa, and residents can visit tampa.gov/ReclaimedWater for more information on how to connect.
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The Tampa Water Department offers various resources to help residents and businesses reduce their water usage, including:
Irrigation Evaluations
Free Water-Saving Devices
Information on Seasonal Irrigation & Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
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