TAMPA, Florida — A potential upcoming vote could impact water usage in the Tampa Bay region as some local areas still face severe and extreme drought.
On Tuesday, the Southwest Florida Water Management District will meet in Tampa to consider a water shortage order. A previous phase I water shortage order was issued in 2020 for several counties including Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee and Sarasota counties.
In that order, the guidelines called for a fix in system leaks, and eliminating wasteful and unnecessary use of drinking water, among others.
SWFWMD says lawn irrigation is restricted to twice a week, but some local cities and counties have special schedules or stricter one-day-per-week measures in place. Citations and fines could be imposed for any violations.
"I can't tell you how many times I've seen sprinklers running right after it rains or when it's raining," said Richard Brandt of St. Pete, who feels some restrictions may be necessary. "It's better to be proactive before it becomes an issue rather than reactive once it is an issue."
During dry times, water use spikes due to lawn watering. Up to 50% of all water used during this time is on one's lawn, according to Tampa Bay Water.
Higher demand forced the city of Tampa to buy water from Tampa Bay Water for the second time this year.
"In my recollection, working for the department for 10 years, I have not seen us purchase twice," Julia Palaschak, the city's environmental specialist, said.
Data shows customers within the city's limits are using about four million more gallons of water each day than they were last year, leaders with the city's water department said in September. That's at least 84 million gallons of water per day to date.
"Water is an invaluable resource and we must all play an active role in conserving it to ensure Tampa can meet the needs of its growing population," Mayor Jane Castor said.
The impact could also be felt as far north as Zephyrhills where, as 10 Investigates reported, the city plans to discuss adding new impact fees and reducing its density levels to manage growth and keep water use in check.
Earlier this year, Zephyrhills applied to the state for permission to pump more groundwater as leaders realized the city was nearing its pumping limits.
Zephyrhills has a permit to pump 3.3 million gallons of groundwater a day. The city currently averages 2.8 million gallons a day.
"A few times we had picked up to about 3,000,000 gallons a day. So, we're right at the top of our limit,” Councilman Steve Spina said.
Tampa Bay Water has already stated that the Tampa Bay area is in the first phase of a water shortage due to the rainfall deficit. While it states there is sufficient drinking water, it is urging residents and businesses to follow local watering restrictions and only use water when needed and allowed.
Some ways to save water include following one's watering days, skipping the irrigation when it's raining, inspecting irrigation systems for repairs, smart lawn watering, leak detections, toilet flapper checks, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, maximizing dishwater and laundry loads, and using a hose nozzle.
Conservationists say it's also most important to learn how to use water seasonally — especially when it comes to irrigation.
For example, in the fall, you only need to water the grass about 60% as much as you would during the summer. And in the winter, during shorter cooler days, that number drops even further to about 20%.
SWFWMD will meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the Tampa Service Office. An informational workshop on water-related issues will follow.