The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board voted last month to let Modified Phase II water shortage restrictions expire for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas Counties due to improvements in the region’s water resources.
“What the change means is that these counties will now return to the District’s year-round water conservation measures unless a stricter local ordinance applies,” said Swiftmud spokesperson Robin Felix.
The lawn and landscape watering schedule is again limited to a two-day-per-week schedule.
“I want to commend the residents of the region for conserving water during our recent drought,” said H. Paul Senft, Governing Board chair. “But we want to remind them that just because they may be able to water two days per week doesn’t mean they need to.”
Twice-per-week watering allows residents additional flexibility for determining when to water. Residents are encouraged to water only if their lawn and landscape needs it and turn off their irrigation system if it has rained or rain is predicted in the next 24 hours. All watering must be done before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. on designated days.
The use of reclaimed water is not subject to the day-of-week or time-of-day restrictions, although these customers are encouraged to use only what they need.
Hand-watering and low-volume irrigation of plant material other than lawns or turfgrass may be done on any day and at any time.
New sod and landscaping may be watered on any day for the first 30 days. On days 31-60, new sod and landscaping may be watered approximately every other day – even-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday; odd-numbered addresses on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. An irrigation system zone can only be operated if the new sod or plant material covers at least 50 percent of that zone.
For additional information about water restrictions and water conservation, please contact your local utility or visit the District’s Website at WaterMatters.org/restrictions/.
