Lawn watering limited for Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough amid shortage

The Southwest Florida Water Management District issued a water shortage order earlier this week, limiting lawn watering for Tampa Bay counties.

Why it matters: The order comes as Tampa Bay struggles against unusually dry weather and heightened water demand. It's the driest rainy season the region's experienced in two decades, according to the Tampa Bay Times.

Zoom in: The Southwest Florida Water Management District said resources, "like aquifers, rivers and lakes," are starting to decline. The order prohibits "wasteful and unnecessary" water use, like hosing a driveway.

• Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough are limited to once-a-week watering schedules; the rest of the district can irrigate their lawns twice a week. The prohibition takes effect in December.
• The restriction will not apply in cities or counties with more stringent regulations, WFLA reported.
• Low-volume watering of plants is allowed at any day or time.