Tampa To Enforce Revised Water Use Restrictions

Tampa plans to enforce the tightened water use restrictions for the establishment of turfgrass and low volume irrigation in response to extreme water shortage conditions in the city and surrounding communities.

The additional restrictions will be enforced in response to the modified Phase III Water Shortage declaration issued recently by the Southwest Florida Water Management District under Executive Order SWF 08-044. According to a city press release, Tampa will begin issuing citations for observed violations of the new restrictions on Friday, Nov. 28.

Tampa residents are asked to review their irrigation practices and to check any timers they may have controlling irrigation on their properties. The new restrictions place a first-time restriction on the use of micro-irrigation and low-volume irrigation. Inside Tampa city limits, no irrigation of any type is permitted between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. unless it is with reclaimed water. Locations using any water source other than reclaimed water may irrigate only on this schedule:

• Addresses ending in an even number and addresses ending A-M may irrigate during permitted hours on Tuesdays
• Addresses ending in an odd number and addresses ending N-Z may irrigate during permitted hours on Sundays
• Locations with no addresses, such as medians and common areas, may irrigate during permitted hours on Sundays

Once-a-week watering and other water use restrictions have been in place in Tampa since May 2006.

Tampa’s water use restrictions are enforced inside Tampa city limits seven days a week, 24 hours a day and extend to all water sources, including well and surface water. Citations are issued on first observance of a violation; no warnings are issued. Violations of the water use restrictions may result in fines of up to $450 and mandatory court appearances.

Water use restrictions for Tampa Water Department customers residing in unincorporated Hillsborough County are established and enforced by Hillsborough County Water Resource Services. Information on Hillsborough County restrictions is available by calling 813-275-7094.

Information about city of Tampa restrictions is available by calling 813-274-8121.