TAMPA, Fla. — In a 5-1 vote, Tampa City Council members approved an ordinance permanently enacting a once-a-week watering restriction for residents' lawns. The ordinance will be a year-round restriction and doesn't have a set expiration date.
Councilmember Gwen Henderson was not present at Thursday's council meeting and did not vote on the ordinance. Only Councilmember Luis Viera voted against the measure, stating that while the idea and intent are sound, he worries about New Tampa residents and potential HOA fees that could be lobbied against them over lawn maintenance.
But, he said he would like to work with Tampa Bay Water to find a solution.
Since December, the city of Tampa has been under an emergency once-a-week watering restriction since extreme drought conditions threatened the region's water supply. Because of the restriction, Tampa Water Director Rory Jones says the city has been able to conserve at least 1 billion gallons of water in that time.
While the rainy season is in full swing, usual daily downpours included, leaders say the region's water resources — rivers, lakes and reservoirs — have not caught up to typical levels.
And with drought conditions expected to be a recurring issue for the Tampa Bay area, doing something now to conserve water only has benefits, leaders posited.
Tampa water restrictions schedule
Under Tampa's irrigation restrictions, watering is prohibited between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Here's when you're able to water during the week:
- If your address (house number) ends in...
- ...0 or 1, water only on Monday
- ...2 or 3, water only on Tuesday
- ...4 or 5, water only on Wednesday
- ...6 or 7, water only on Thursday
- ...8 or 9*, water only on Friday ( *locations without a discernible address)
This applies to all customers watering with the city's drinking or well water. "Reclaimed water customers can water any day and any time, as long as it is not in a wasteful and unnecessary manner," the city said in a release.
Anyone who violates the restrictions is subject to a "three strikes and you're out" policy with fines ranging from $100 to $500. A so-called 3rd strike would also include a mandated court appearance, Jones said.