The Brief
- New Phase III water restrictions across Tampa Bay sharply limit lawn irrigation and other high-use activities as water supplies tighten.
- Homeowners face the biggest changes, with once-a-week overnight watering schedules tied to house numbers.
- Restrictions run through July 1 (for now), with possible extension depending on conditions.
TAMPA, Fla. – Tampa Bay is under Phase III water restrictions as regional water supplies come under strain.
Why Water Restrictions Are in Place
Water managers say lawn irrigation is the biggest driver of residential water use, often accounting for up to 50% of household consumption. A single watering session can use around 2,500 gallons.
To conserve supplies, officials are targeting the biggest drains first: irrigation, outdoor use, and non-essential water activities.
They also emphasized efficiency. Watering overnight reduces evaporation, meaning less water is wasted in the Florida heat.
What Homeowners Need to Know
If you have a lawn or irrigation system, you’ll only be allowed to use it once per week:
- Only between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Time limits based on property size. Under 1 acre: max 4 hours. Over 1 acre: max 8 hours.
- The homeowner’s assigned day is based on house numbers.
Residents should check with their city or county for their allowable day and times as many have different schedules or stricter hours in effect. Below is the standard watering days schedule based on addresses ending in:
- 0 or 1 shall only water on Monday.
- 2 or 3, on Tuesday.
- 4 or 5, on Wednesday.
- 6 or 7, on Thursday.
- 8 or 9, on Friday along with locations with a mix of addresses or for which an address cannot be determined (such as common areas associated with a subdivision).
If you live in an HOA, these state/regional restrictions override HOA rules. HOAs cannot require watering outside these limits.
Other Outdoor Water Use
Restrictions go beyond just restricting sprinkler times.
Washing a car at home is only allowed on assigned watering days, and the hose used to wash the car must have a shutoff nozzle. Pressure washing is only allowed for painting and sealing under Phase II rules.
Meanwhile, water fountains and features can run at a maximum of 4 hours per day.…