TAMPA, Fla. — The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board has declared a “severe” water shortage, prompting water usage restrictions for most of the Tampa Bay area.
The modified phase II “severe” water shortage was issued due to dry conditions across the region. Beginning Feb. 8 through July 1, residents — including those on private wells — must follow one-day-per-week lawn watering restrictions.
The restrictions apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands and Lake counties; the city of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County…