In March, the Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board declared a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to dry conditions across the region. After our April WOW went to press, the District announced they that the level will shift to a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage on April 6. Tampa Bay Water also issued a Stage 3 Extreme Regional Supply Shortage due to significant rainfall and river flow deficits and projected low regional reservoir levels.
In response, Hillsborough County issued a one-day-per-week watering restriction through July 1, 2026 for those who do not have reclaimed water. Use of reclaimed water, which is used for irrigation in Westchase and many of the surrounding communities, is exempt from the one-day-per week restriction, but sprinklers can only run before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Residents on reclaimed water should also be conservative with their watering schedule.
Hand watering…