SWFWMD Lifts Phase II One-Day-Per-Week Water Restrictions

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s Governing Board voted to let Modified Phase II water shortage restrictions expire today for Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties due to improvements in the region’s water resources.

This means those counties will return to the District’s year-round water conservation measures unless a stricter local ordinance applies. The lawn and landscape watering schedule is limited to a two-day-per-week schedule, and most watering may only occur before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. See the fact sheet below for a summary. Residents should check with their utilities for local restrictions before changing their irrigation timers.

The Governing Board voted to lift the restrictions in response to significant improvements in aquifer and river levels as a result of Tropical Storm Debby and regular summer rains. However, the Board urged residents to continue the water conservation practices they’ve learned during the recent drought.