Community Water 💧 Wise Awards

Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Restrictions

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has passed a Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage Order. In addition to the City of Tampa’s current mandatory once-a-week watering restrictions (which are enforced year-round), the following modifications take effect on April 3, 2026:

Watering is now prohibited between 4am and 8pm, and continues to be restricted to your designated watering day.
Hand watering and microirrigation of plant material, such as flower beds, shrubs, or other plant material (other than lawns), is allowed on any day, but is now prohibited between 8am and 6pm.
No HOA or other entity shall enforce deed restrictions or other community standards requiring an increase in water use, including replacement of plant material to meet aesthetic standards or pressure washing.
Car washing at home (non-commercial) is only allowed on your designated watering day and you must use a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
Annual pressure washing for aesthetic purposes is prohibited at this time. Pressure washing is allowed in preparation for painting and sealing.
Operation of aesthetic fountains and other water features are limited to four hours a day.

For more information on additional restrictions, please visit tampa.gov/WaterRestrictions.

Now accepting submissions for the 2026 Tampa Bay Community Water 💧 Wise Awards!

Deadline to apply is July 31.

ENTER YOUR LANDSCAPE

What is the Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Award?

The Tampa Bay Community Water Wise Awards program recognizes individuals and businesses that are committed to conserving our water resources and protecting the environment by using attractive Florida-Friendly Landscaping™, and irrigation systems or techniques to minimize water use and maintenance. Winning landscapes represent the beauty and resiliency of our natural environment.

Who can apply?

If your landscape is in Hillsborough, Pasco, or Pinellas counties, you can participate in this contest. The six categories are: residential, multi-family, commercial, schools, governmental, and builders. So whether at home or at work, every landscape in our beautiful city can be Florida-friendly and Water 💧 Wise.

For more information, visit awards.tampabaywaterwise.org.

Congratulations to Our 2025 Community Water 💧 Wise Award Winners!

Ingo Fochler, one of the 2025 Community Water Wise Award winners, holding his awarded round Waterwise 2025 mosaic stone. — **Ingo Fochler** is holding his winning mosaic garden stone that was awarded for being one of two individuals that won the 2025 Community Water Wise Award.

"I’m so honored for a recognition like this... Someone says, ‘Hey, you’re doing pretty good with this,’ and that’s all the encouragement I need to keep going."

- Susan Manian

Past Winners

2023 CWWA winners with the Tampa Mayor — Mayor Jane Castor presented **Brian Bachleda** and **Daniel Hoeh** with the Community Water Wise Award outside their home on November 21, 2023.
“This was a hobby I’ve had ever since I was a child. I just love gardening. This is my escape... I look for plants that are going to work in our environment and where we live. Mulch is important because it does retain moisture in the ground. We do have a rain barrel in our backyard; I collect rainwater all the time. I even save water from my vegetables when I cook; I water my plants with that. I save where I can.”
*- Brian Bachleda*
In addition to the honor, Brian and Daniel received a custom mosaic garden stone that recognizes their award-winning lawn.

2022 Winners

2020 Winner

2021 Winner

2019 Winners

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Updated: 07/09/2026

Contact Information

Water Conservation & Efficiency

To get assistance with lowering your water bill by reducing how much water you use in your home or business, call (813) 274-8121 option #5 or send an email to the Water Conservation & Efficiency team.

Water Use Restrictions & Enforcement

To listen to a recorded summary of the current Water Use Restrictions call the Water Conservation Hotline (available 24 hours-a day, 7 days-a-week) at (813) 274-8121, option #3.

To report a water use violation inside Tampa’s city limits, please call the Water Use Violation Hotline at (813) 274-8121, option #4, or report a violation online.

To inquire about a citation you received, please call (813) 349-5014 or e-mail Water Patrol within thirty (30) calendar days after receiving the citation.

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