Tampa Bay tightens water restrictions as drought persists
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Kathryn's parched lawn. Photo: Kathryn Varn/Axios
Despite a few recent bouts of rain, Tampa Bay remains in its worst drought in 15 years and its most severe water shortage in decades.
Why it matters: Tighter watering restrictions are set to go into effect next weekend as the dry season stretches on.
State of play: The Southwest Florida Water Management District board voted this week to declare a Modified Phase 3 "Extreme" Water Shortage, up from a Phase 2.
- That means residents with properties less than an acre can continue watering their lawns once a week, but only from 12:01am-4am or 8pm-11:59pm. Larger properties can water during both windows.
- It also means that restaurants can serve water only upon request and that aesthetic fountains are limited to four hours a day, among other restrictions.
- The rules go into effect April 3 for the district's coverage area, which includes Pinellas and Hillsborough counties, plus surrounding counties from Sarasota north to Citrus and west to Polk.
Yes, but: Check with your county or city for any stricter localized restrictions, the water management district advised.
- Also, check with your local government for your designated watering day.
- Customers of Tampa Bay Water — the service provider for Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties and the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and New Port Richey — can check here.
Threat level: At least one county announced Wednesday that utilities staff would soon skip warnings for violators of the restrictions.
- After April 17, Pinellas will hand out $193 fines.
Driving the news: Tampa Bay is well into the dry season, but the region is extra parched this year.
- The district is facing an almost 14-inch rainfall deficit compared with the average year's total, per the district.
- Drought conditions were considered severe and extreme across much of Pinellas and Hillsborough, per the U.S. Drought Monitor.
- With little to no water available to pull from area rivers, Tampa Bay Water is relying on its reservoir in Hillsborough, which was about 40% full this week.
What they're saying: "It's doing its job, but we need your help to make that water last until rain returns this summer," the agency said.
- "The driest months of the year are ahead."
What's next: The rainy season typically starts up again in mid-May, per the National Weather Service.
- The service's Climate Prediction Center is anticipating drought conditions to improve between now and June 30 across most of Florida.
- The water restrictions that begin next weekend are in effect until July 1.
The bottom line: "It took us a while to get here," Tamera McBride, the water management district's hydrologic data manager, said this week, per the Tampa Bay Times.
- "It's going to take some time to get out of it."