Water Department Promotes Conservation Programs as Regional Drought Rules Extended
As drought conditions continue across the Tampa Bay region, water officials have decided to extend watering restrictions across the region to help protect our community’s water supply.
Today, the Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) board approved an extension of the Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage through October 1, 2026. District staff report that the rainfall deficit for May 2026 was 11.4 inches. Water levels in rivers, lakes, and other resources continue to decline, while public water supplies are also low.
Residents are limited to watering no more than one day per week and must comply with all current drought restrictions, including:
Watering only on your designated watering day between 12am and 4am or 8pm and 11:59pm.
Low-volume watering (like hand watering and microirrigation) is allowed any day but must take place before 8am or after 6pm.
Car washing at home (non-commercial) is only allowed on your lawn watering day and you must use a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
The City of Tampa has been under once-a-week watering restrictions since December 2023. Thanks to our community’s conservation efforts, approximately 5 billion gallons of water have been saved compared to twice-a-week watering.
Residents who are concerned about their landscape or are looking for ways to reduce water use are encouraged to contact the Water Department’s conservation and efficiency team at SaveWater@tampa.gov. The team offers free resources and personalized assistance, including:
One-on-one irrigation evaluations through the Sensible Sprinkling Program
Guidance on Florida-Friendly Landscaping™
Water-saving devices
Information on identifying and repairing indoor leaks
Residents can also request irrigation evaluations or water-saving devices directly through tampaconnect.com.
In addition, City of Tampa Utilities customers are invited to attend the Water Department’s Compost Giveaway on Friday, June 26. Compost is an excellent tool for topdressing lawns and gardens, helping improve soil quality and increase moisture retention during dry conditions. Customers can pre-register at tampa.gov/CompostGiveaway2026.
Every drop counts. By following watering restrictions and taking advantage of available conservation resources, residents can help protect Tampa’s water supply and keep our community resilient during ongoing drought conditions.