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Counties and cities throughout Tampa Bay will remain under strict watering restrictions until at least Oct. 1 as the region struggles to overcome a historic drought. Violators face mandatory fines.
On Tuesday, the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (SWFWMD) governing board approved extending its “Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage,” which began in April and would have expired on July 1, by three months. The state is slowly emerging from its most widespread and severe drought in 25 years.
In March, Tampa Bay Water announced that the region was facing its worst water shortage in 50 years. While conditions have improved in some areas, others have yet to benefit from the summer rainy season’s arrival.
Under the order, residents can water their lawn once per week, from 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. or 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m., unless their county or city has more restrictive hours in place. Local governments determine the day according to street addresses.
“Outdoor water conservation is about more than saving gallons,” said Jeremy Waugh, utilities director for Pinellas County, in a statement. “It’s about reducing demand on our water-dependent ecosystems and making sure our water supply will be able to meet our region’s needs in the future.”
The emergency order encompasses the entirety of Tampa Bay and several surrounding areas. Restrictions apply to residents with private wells.
Homeowners' associations cannot enforce deed restrictions or other community standards that increase water use, including additional landscaping or pressure washing. Pinellas County’s announcement notes that “cutting back on outdoor water use is one of the fastest and most effective ways we can all help protect our water supply.”
Residents can only wash vehicles on their lawn watering day and must use a hose with a shutoff nozzle. While aesthetic fountains can operate for four hours daily, owners must post those times nearby, on community signage, online, or at a front desk or reception area.
In addition, restaurants can only serve water upon request. According to SWFWMD, the region’s rainfall deficit was 11.4 inches as of May 1, and “severely abnormal” rivers and lakes are “continuing to decline.”
Those who violate the district’s order face stiff and mandatory penalties. Local officials must increase enforcement efforts, “including responding to citizen complaints,” and monitor water use through patrols or customer records, according to SWFWMD.
“NO warnings will be issued,” states a City of St. Petersburg fact sheet. “First-time violations observed by enforcement personnel will result in the issuance of a citation … a $193 fine, plus court costs.”
Repeat violators face a $500 fine and court costs. However, relief could be on the way.
“Now we are in the wet season, so we should see the rainfall picking up and helping,” said Tamera McBride, manager of hydrological data for SWFWMD, during Tuesday’s meeting.
To view watering regulations by county or city, visit the website here.
Fireworks
The state announced on Tuesday that it will not ban the use of fireworks for Independence Day celebrations, despite persistent drought conditions and water shortages. Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson advised Floridians and visitors to be “responsible” when using devices that combust during flight.
Simpson also urged caution around outdoor cookouts and campfires. The announcement noted that over 2,440 wildfires have burned more than 176,000 acres across Florida since Jan. 1.
“The past six months have been one of the state’s busiest fire seasons in recent memory,” said Simpson in a statement. “And though recent rains have helped rein in drought conditions, the risk of wildfire still exists in Florida and needs to be taken seriously.”
Most counties throughout Tampa Bay lack a local burn ban, although Pinellas and Hillsborough prohibit burning yard debris year-round.
On Monday, Manatee County implemented a burn ban that prohibits “any item containing an explosive compound, sparklers, products using or containing pyrotechnic composition, flares, open burning, and campfires.” The ordinance allows outdoor grills attended by an adult and sanctioned public fireworks displays.
“We want to urge everyone to be mindful when burning or using fireworks near a wooded area,” said Forest Service Director Rick Dolan. “Always keep a water supply nearby and be prepared to act quickly if a fire starts.”
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