ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board voted on Tuesday to end the one-day-per-week water restrictions for Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.
The Modified Phase I Water Shortage was enacted in November 2023 as the water resources and public water supplies continued to recover from "below-normal rainfall" during the 2023 summer rainy season, the District said in a statement. The Governing Board voted to extend that order for some areas a few times this year, with the latest being in August.
However, all 16 counties in the District's boundaries reportedly received "above-average rainfall" during the 2024 summer rainy season, which includes rainfall from Hurricane Debby. Officials said some areas also received up to 10-15 inches of rain from Hurricane Milton.
According to the District, all 16 counties are now on year-round water conservation measures, with lawn watering limited to twice per week, unless the city or county has a different schedule or stricter hours.
The following counties are maintaining once-per-week watering by local ordinance, according to a press release from the district:
- Citrus
- Hernando
- Pasco
- Sarasota
The following cities, meanwhile, are maintaining once-per-week watering by local ordinance, according to the district:
- Dunedin
- Longboat Key
- Sarasota
- Tampa
- Venice
"The District appreciates the public’s cooperation during the Phase I Water Shortage to conserve water and urges residents to continue watching the weather and only watering on their assigned day(s) when needed during the dry season," officials said in a statement.
More information on water schedules can be found on the District's website.