New Regional Drought Restrictions Promote Water Conservation
As the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) approves Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Restrictions, the Tampa Water Department calls on all residents to follow these new drought restrictions to protect our shared water resources. Customers are asked to use water as efficiently as possible, especially when irrigating since outdoor watering can account for up to 50% of a home’s water use.
On top of following mandatory once-a-week watering restrictions, starting April 3, 2026, the District’s new drought restrictions will take effect. These changes include the following:
Irrigation is prohibited between 4am and 8pm
Handwatering and microirrigation is allowed on any day, but is now prohibited between 8am and 6pm
Pressure washing in preparation for painting and sealing is allowed. Pressure washing for aesthetic purposes is prohibited.
The use of decorative fountains is limited to 4 hours per day.
To further reduce outdoor water use, the District’s water shortage order strengthens enforcement of these restrictions across the region. The City of Tampa’s existing program already aligns with these requirements and remains fully in effect. Enforcement includes 24/7 patrols, and customers who violate water use restrictions will receive a citation upon first observation.
We encourage all customers to stay informed and take control of their water use by visiting tampa.gov/WaterRestrictions to verify their assigned watering day and learn more about current restrictions.
As drought conditions continue to impact the state, Tampa residents can take meaningful steps to conserve water while saving money. The City of Tampa Water Department offers a range of water conservation programs for our customers, including:
Free irrigation evaluations
Free water-saving devices
Rebates for installing water-efficient appliances
Every drop counts. By working together to conserve water today, we help protect our community’s water resources.