New Tampa Bay Water Restrictions Pondered Due To Drought: Report

TAMPA — Tampa Bay Water officials are meeting Monday to consider new restrictions during some of the worst drought conditions for the area in decades, News Channel 8 reported.

A livestream of the Board of Directors meeting can be found here.

The utility serves Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties.

“We’re at about a 7.6 rainfall deficit, and we’re at the beginning of the dry season,” spokesperson Brandon Moore told News Channel 8. “We would normally see this at the end of the dry season in spring. So, that being the deficit coming out of rainy season is a concern.”

Per the outlet, Moore encouraged residents to limit their water use and fix leaks to conserve water.

The board meeting, which began at 9:30 a.m., was still in progress shortly after noon.

Tampa Bay Water on Nov. 6 asked every resident to conserve water as the region remains in a Stage 1 water shortage due to a 7.6-inch rainfall deficit. Residents were asked to follow measures to save water inside and outside their homes. These measures not only address the current water shortage, but also contribute to long-term sustainability and lower utility costs.

1. Know Your Watering Days: Regional watering restrictions are year-round in our region, set by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and enforced by local water utilities. Residents and businesses in the Tampa Bay region should follow their local watering restrictions and only water when needed and allowed. Find your watering days here.
2. Smart Lawn Watering: By skipping an irrigation cycle when it rains or has rained, you can save between 1,500 and 2,500 gallons of water.
3. Leak Detection: According to the U.S. EPA, the average family can waste 180 gallons per week, or 9,400 gallons of water annually, from household leaks.
4. Toilet Flapper Check: Depending on the extent of the leak, a warped or poorly fitting flapper can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day and may cost you hundreds of dollars a year.
5. Conserve for Dormant Grass: According to UF/IFAS Extension, lawn and landscape plants are dormant this time of the year and need minimal irrigation. Watering every 10-14 days should be sufficient for most landscapes in winter.
6. Turn Off the Tap: According to the U.S. EPA, turning off the tap while brushing your teeth can save 8 gallons of water per day.
7. Maximize Dishwasher and Laundry Loads According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, running dishwashers only when it's full can save the average family nearly 320 gallons of water annually.
8. Hose Nozzle Usage: Using a hose nozzle saves about 8 gallons per minute by keeping the water from running constantly.
9. Fix Broken Sprinklers: According to the U.S. EPA, a broken sprinkler can waste 25,000 gallons of water in six months.
10. Get rebates for water-efficient upgrades: Install water efficient fixtures and technology and receive rebates through the Tampa Bay Water Wise program.

News Channel 8 reported the new restrictions will take effect on Dec. 1, if approved. Read more via News Channel 8.