Hillsborough County isn't out of the woods. Despite recent rains and more showers on the horizon, the one-day-a-week watering restrictions for unincorporated areas of Hillsborough County remain in full effect, as put forth by the county's Water Resources department. These restrictions, initially detailed by a Hillsborough County, Florida Government press release, are due to a prolonged dry spell that has left reserves lower than necessary.
The Southwest Florida Management District Governing Board has seen fit to continue a modified Phase I Water Shortage Order until September 1st. This affects Hillsborough County, along with others, and means residents are tasked with adhering to strict watering schedules for lawns and landscapes. According to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the past 12 months' rainfall in the Northern Region is at a historical average, while the Southern and Central regions, which include Tampa Bay area, have experienced below average rainfall, compounding the need for these measures.
It's critical for residents to know their designated watering days to avoid penalties. Properties ending in 0 or 1 can only water on Mondays and so on through the rest of the numbers ending in 8 or 9 with Friday being their watering day. This schedule applies to all forms of water sources, including public supply, pond, lake, stream, and well water. However, those using reclaimed water for lawns and landscapes are exempt from these restrictions. For those unsure of their rules, a helpful guide is available on HCFL.gov/WaterRestrictions.
The watering window is also limited, allowing irrigation to only take place between midnight to 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. to midnight, but only once on the property's designated day. Sticking to these guidelines is a straightforward way that residents can aid in conserving a severely limited water supply. If everyone complies with the one-day-per-week irrigation rules, the county could see a 40% reduction in water use for irrigation. On peak days, this could translate into a savings of nearly 10 million gallons per day in Hillsborough County alone.
