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Water restrictions begin Friday for Tampa Bay area
As a drought across Florida continues, the Southwest Florida Water Management District has enacted a phase III water restriction. FOX 13's Kellie Cowan breaks down what this means for homeowners and businesses.
TAMPA, Fla. - Tampa Bay is under Phase III water restrictions as regional water supplies come under strain.
Why Water Restrictions Are in Place
Water managers say lawn irrigation is the biggest driver of residential water use, often accounting for up to 50% of household consumption. A single watering session can use around 2,500 gallons.
To conserve supplies, officials are targeting the biggest drains first: irrigation, outdoor use, and non-essential water activities.
They also emphasized efficiency. Watering overnight reduces evaporation, meaning less water is wasted in the Florida heat.
What Homeowners Need to Know
If you have a lawn or irrigation system, you'll only be allowed to use it once per week:
- Only between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Time limits based on property size. Under 1 acre: max 4 hours. Over 1 acre: max 8 hours.
- The homeowner's assigned day is based on house numbers.
Residents should check with their city or county for their allowable day and times as many have different schedules or stricter hours in effect. Below is the standard watering days schedule based on addresses ending in:
- 0 or 1 shall only water on Monday.
- 2 or 3, on Tuesday.
- 4 or 5, on Wednesday.
- 6 or 7, on Thursday.
- 8 or 9, on Friday along with locations with a mix of addresses or for which an address cannot be determined (such as common areas associated with a subdivision).
If you live in an HOA, these state/regional restrictions override HOA rules. HOAs cannot require watering outside these limits.
Other Outdoor Water Use
Restrictions go beyond just restricting sprinkler times.
Washing a car at home is only allowed on assigned watering days, and the hose used to wash the car must have a shutoff nozzle. Pressure washing is only allowed for painting and sealing under Phase II rules.
Meanwhile, water fountains and features can run at a maximum of 4 hours per day.
Residents may still hand water plants or use micro irrigation to water flower beds, shrubs, or other plant material (other than lawns) on any day. However, under the Modified Phase III restrictions, it is limited to the hours of before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
New lawns and plants are also given a 60-day establishment period. Read more here.
What About Daily Water Use?
Indoor use is not restricted, but conservation is encouraged. Showers, toilets and laundry have no restrictions, but experts recommend reducing unnecessary use wherever possible.
The focus is on cutting high-volume outdoor use, not basic daily needs.
What Businesses Need to Know
Restaurants can no longer automatically serve a glass of water. Customers have to request water to receive it from a restaurant.
"By not serving water unless it's asked for, you're saving the water that's in the glass and the water it would take to clean the glass, whether or not it's used," explained Southwest Florida Water Management District Regulation Division Director, Michelle Hopkins. "All together, it's all helpful."
For golf courses, irrigation restrictions do apply.
Car washes are not affected by these restrictions.
When Do Water Restrictions End?
The current end date for the water restrictions is July 1, 2026. But, it could be extended depending on rainfall and water levels.
Officials will reassess conditions before lifting or continuing restrictions.
What Will Happen if you Violate the Rules?
Fines are determined by your local government, but can range from $100 to $500 per violation. Rules apply across all Tampa Bay area counties.
The Source: Information provided by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), including guidance from Regulation Division Director Michelle Hopkins, and previous Fox 13 reporting on Phase III water restrictions.