Watering restrictions go into effect Monday for Tampa Bay

TAMPA (FOX 13) - New watering restrictions for the Tampa Bay area go into effect on Monday June 5.

Under the new water shortage order, lawn watering allowance has been reduced to once-per-week, and only during specific hours.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District announced that the Phase III water shortage restrictions will affect Charlotte, Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Levy, Manatee, Marion, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties.

Residents' designated watering day corresponds to the house number. Homes ending in 0 or 1 must only water on Mondays, 2 or 3 on Tuesdays, 4 or 5 on Wednesdays, 6 or 7 on Thursdays and 8 or 9 on Fridays. Locations with no address or mixed addresses should water on Fridays.

Under a Phase III restriction, car washing is also limited to once a week on the designated watering day. Pressure washing is limited to once a year.

Homeowners' associations may not enforce deed restrictions that could cause an increase in water use, such as lawn replacement or pressure washing. Micro-irrigation and hand watering of non-lawn areas are still allowed.

Some Bay Area governments, such as Sarasota County and Dunedin, have local ordinances with special one-day-per-week schedules. Please check with your local government for more information.