Politics & Government

Read This Before You Water Your Yard

A refresher of Hillsborough County's watering schedule.

Earlier this week, Southwest Florida Water Management District restated that the county is going through a water shortage. However, Hillsborough County’s current water restrictions won't change much. That means it will remain limited to two days a week. The schedule is below:

  • Addresses ending in 0, 1, 2 or 3 - Mondays and Thursdays.
  • Addresses ending in 4, 5 or 6 – Tuesdays and Fridays.
  • Addresses ending in 7, 8 or 9, locations with no address, and locations with mixed addresses (such as office complexes and shopping centers) – Wednesdays and Saturdays.

All watering must be done before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.The restrictions apply to most water sources, including private wells, and ponds or lakes that are used as alternate irrigation supplies.

Residents may hand-water plants and shrubs, or use a drip irrigation system in landscaping beds, at any time. There are also special rules for watering new sod and plantings. There are no restrictions on fountains, car washing and pressure washing.

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Reclaimed water customers are exempt from the watering restrictions, although these customers are encouraged to use only what they need.

For complete information on the watering restrictions, visit hillsboroughcounty.org/water or contact the Water Conservation Team at 813-272-5977, ext. 43991.

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The Phase I water shortage declaration has been in effect since Dec. 1, 2010. SWFWMD’s Governing Board voted to extend the declaration as the summer rainy season got off to a slow start, and the region’s water resources have not yet been replenished. The declaration is intended to raise public awareness about dry conditions and to direct water utilities and local governments to prepare for potential future action.

Under Phase I, SWFWMD is asking residents to check their irrigation systems to ensure they are working properly. To avoid getting a citation if you perform this check during a time other than allowed by the restrictions, limit the testing to no more than 10 minutes, and stay outdoors and visible while monitoring the system.


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