SWFWMD approves Stage IV water restrictions

The SWFWMD Board has approved a move to tighten water restrictions and move to a Stage IV water ban for those who are being serviced by Tampa Bay Water. The tighter restrictions are as follows:

First, the changes described below will only apply to the customers of member governments, other utilities that purchase water from member governments, either directly or indirectly, and the customers of other utilities that are exceeding their permitted quantities (Aloha and Mad Hatter utilities in Pasco County). Persons using other sources of water, either private well water or water from other utilities, remain under the current Modified Phase 3 restrictions.

Lawn and landscape (non-low volume) irrigation, under 1 acre, using an in-ground irrigation system (rotors and sprays) - limited to one day per week (same days as currently), the hours are restricted to between midnight to 4 a.m.

Lawn and landscape (non-low volume) irrigation, 1 acre or greater, using an in-ground irrigation system (rotors and sprays) - limited to one day per week (same days as currently), the hours are restricted to between midnight to 4 a.m. and 8 p.m. to midnight

Handwatering, or irrigating with hoses with attachments, of lawns, any size area, limited to one-day per week, the hours are restricted to between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Handwatering and microirrigation of landscapes, any size area, limited to 3 days per week (the Order will specify the days by address), the hours are restricted to between 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

All fountains and other water-based aesthetic features are prohibited

Residential and charity fund raising car washing is prohibited unless partnered with a commercial car washing facitlity

Pressure washing - non-commercial uses prohibited

Public spaces in buildings with water-based cooling must be kept at or above 78 degrees Fahrenheit

The establishment period for new lawns does not change (first 15 days any day; next 15 days 3 times per week, by address). The establishment period for landscapes is first 15 days allowed any day; next 30 days allowed 3 times per week (by address); next 15 days twice per week (by address).

Stay tuned for more updates. The climate prediction for the next 3 months are showing below average rainfall for the area!

Water resources being rationed!

As nursery producers we are inextricably linked to the availability of water. We are now in a three year drought and in the middle of our driest time of the year. There are many governing boards meeting or have already met to determine where a scarce resource will be portioned out. As we have seen the City of Tampa reduce lawn watering to a handheld hose once a week. The Hillsborough Board will be meeting to discuss what actions they need to take at their April 1st meeting. It starts at 9 a.m. and is in the BOCC board room on the second floor. There will also be the SWFWMD meeting which will discuss tightening their restrictions at the Board meeting Tuesday in Brooksville. That also starts at 9 a.m. It might be useful to be present at these meetings and offer your input than try later to overturn a ruling that adversely affects your operation.