In a move to sustainably manage water resources, the Tampa Water Department, backed by the City Council, has firmly established once-a-week watering restrictions for residents and businesses using city or well water for irrigation. This restriction comes as the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) decided to maintain similar limitations for Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties until the end of 2024, recognizing the Tampa Bay area's ongoing recovery from drought conditions which have left a deficit of around 5.1 inches of rainfall over 12 months.
The directive to strictly limit outdoor watering to a single day per week, effective August 1, aims to adequately prepare for future water scarcities and secure the city's water supply for future usage. In a statement obtained by the City of Tampa official website, the Tampa Water Department suggests that this measure will "save more than a billion gallons of water" compared to the previous biweekly allowance.
The recent ordinance doesn't restrict the usage of reclaimed water as long as it's used responsibly. Residents within specific zones of the South Tampa area can opt to use reclaimed water for irrigation purposes. Further details regarding access to reclaimed water and potential connections can be found on the City of Tampa's website, prompting residents to explore available options.
