One-Day-a-Week Watering Restrictions Lifted

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board has voted to lift watering restrictions. That means it will let Modified Phase II water shortage restrictions expire today for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties due to improvements in the region’s water resources.

Those counties will return to the district’s year-round water conservation measures unless a stricter local ordinance applies. The lawn and landscape watering schedule is limited to a two-day-per-week schedule, and most watering may only occur before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Residents should check with their utilities for local restrictions before changing their irrigation timers.

The governing board voted to lift the restrictions in response to significant improvements in aquifer and river levels as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and regular summer rains. However, the board urged residents to continue the water conservation practices they’ve learned during the recent drought.

“I want to commend the residents of the region for conserving water during our recent drought,” said H. Paul Senft, governing board chair. “But we want to remind them that just because they may be able to water two days per week doesn’t mean they need to. We can’t afford to be wasteful because water is a limited resource and we must all do our part to conserve.”

Twice-per-week watering allows residents additional flexibility for determining when to water. Residents are encouraged to water only if their lawn and landscape needs it and turn off their irrigation system if it has rained or rain is predicted in the next 24 hours. Some of the signs that a lawn needs water include a blue-gray appearance, blades folded in half lengthwise and footprints remaining on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it.

Even addresses may water on Thursday and/or Sunday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Odd addresses may water on Wednesday and/or Saturday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Locations without a discernable address, such as rights of way and other common areas inside a subdivision, may water on Tuesday and/or Friday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

Handwatering and microirrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done on any day and any time.

For additional information, visit the district’s website.