When Can You Water Your Lawn?

Regardless of any recent rainfall in Hillsborough County, water officials have put in effect tighter water restrictions that limit lawn-watering to once a week.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has declared a Modified Phase II Water Shortage for the Tampa Bay area, including Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

The declaration is in response to drier-than-normal conditions following last year’s below-average rainfall, which has caused low water levels throughout the district’s 16-county region.

Here’s what you need to know:

• The tighter water restrictions are in effect until at least July 31. (See chart below.)

• All watering must be completed before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. 

• Tighter restrictions apply to all residents(and not just to the customers of public utilities).

• Tighter restrictions apply to all water sources, including private wells, and ponds or lakes that are used as alternative irrigation supplies.

• Reclaimed water customers are exempt from water restrictions yet still encouraged to water only as needed.

• For complete information on these and other restrictions, as well as links to information concerning the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace, visit www.hillsboroughcounty.org/water. For a recorded message, call: 813-275-7094. To contact the Water Conservation Team during business hours, call: 813-272-5977, ext. 43991.

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Modified Phase II Water Shortage Restrictions

The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has instituted water restrictions that include the following highlights:  

Hand-Watering Hand-water plants and shrubs, or use a drip irrigation system in landscaping beds, on any day, but only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. New Sod and Landscaping Days 1-30, water any day. Days 31-60, water approximately every other day according to the following schedule: even-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday; odd-numbered addresses on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. An irrigation system zone can only be watered if the new material comprises at least 50 percent of that zone. Vehicle Washing Commercial car washes and fundraising car washes are allowed at any time. Individuals may wash vehicles once a week, on the designated watering day for the address. Pressure Washing As needed for safety and other necessary purposes. Homeowners Associations Cannot require pressure washing, lawn replacement or other
activities requiring additional water use.

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When To Water Lawns And Landscapes In Hillsborough County 

The chart below is the schedule for watering established lawns and landscapes throughout Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Plant City and Temple Terrace, effective through at least July 31, 2012:

Hillsborough County Watering Schedule

Mondays

Ending in 0 or 1 

Tuesdays

Ending in 2 or 3

Wednesdays

Ending in 4 or 5

Thursdays

Ending in 6 or 7 Fridays Ending in 8 or 9. Also, for locations with no addresses, or mixed addresses, such as for office complexes and shopping centers.