Lynn Barber, Hillsborough County Extension
Change in Watering Restrictions
Effective June 5, 2017 through August 1, 2017, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) issued a Modified Phase III Water Shortage Restrictions. In the past we, Hillsborough County residents, were able to water two days per week. With the new restrictions, we are allowed to water one day per week. Please see the chart for information on the day of the week you can water based on your ending/last house number. Watering can occur before 8 am and after 6 pm.
These restrictions apply to the use of wells and surface sources such as ponds, rivers and canals, and utility-supplied water. The size of your property does not change the restrictions. As stated on the SWFWMD website, “homeowners associations and other entities must suspend any requirement to replace lawns, pressure wash, or engage in other activity which increases water use during this water shortage declaration.”
You can use microirrigation or hand water plants, but not turfgrass/lawns. Handwashing your car is allowed once a week on your designated watering day. Fountains and other aesthetic water features can be operated for eight hours a day with the selected times posted by the property owner. New lawns and plants can be watered daily for 1-30 days after planting; thereafter, every other day, with specific days of the week identified based on your ending/last house number.
You can report watering violations by calling the Southwest Florida Water Management District at 1-800-848-0499 and leaving a detailed message. Also, you can go to the Hillsborough County website, and the ADX portal, which is a general link for Customer Service complaints/questions/issues. You can also contact the County’s Call Center, 813-272-5900, to report violations.
Please contact Water.Restrictions@WaterMatters.org (anytime) or calling their water restrictions hotline at 1-800-848-0499 or 1-800-836-0797, ext. 2298 (during business hours).
