TAMPA, Fla. — New water use restrictions are now in place, focused on conserving water through an ongoing drought in the Tampa Bay area.
The new restrictions come from the Southwest Florida Water Management District, impacting all 11 counties. Current restrictions mandate lawn watering cannot occur more than twice a week.
For those who live in Hillsborough, Pasco or Pinellas counties, restrictions will soon be more strict. Starting Dec. 1, lawn watering is limited to once a week.
The Tampa Bay area is considered to be in a phase one water shortage, something the region hasn't seen since 2000.
"For the first time in history, through our partnership with Tampa Bay Water, we have had to buy water twice to meet our community's needs," Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said.
Effective now, all wasteful water use, like spraying down your driveway, is prohibited. Water enforcement patrol enforces these new restrictions. Those found in violation will be fined up to $500 and can face mandatory court appearances.
Close to half the water the city supplies to residents ends up being used for landscaping maintenance. The restrictions that kick in on Dec .1 exclude reclaimed water use.
In Tampa, there are 5,600 households and businesses that could use reclaimed water but don’t.
Roughly 8,200 residences and businesses do use reclaimed water. There is an upfront cost, but your monthly bill will decrease.
"We do have an application process," Rory Jones, the water department's director, said. "We're in the range of $665 or so for that application and there is a certain area in which we do have reclaimed that is not citywide, though."
Malique Rankin is a general assignment reporter with 10 Tampa Bay. You can email her story ideas at mrankin@10tampabay.com and follow her Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.