Tampa Bay Water Service Area Remains at Highest Alert Level
The District’s Governing Board voted in June to continue the Modified Phase IV (or Critical) water shortage restrictions for potable water use in the Tampa Bay Water service area until July 31, 2009.
“While the region is out of the immediate crisis, we are still contending with the effects of the long-term drought,” said David Moore, District executive director. “The May rainfall helped, but the summer rainy season hasn’t begun. We’re going to monitor conditions closely over the next month before easing any of the restrictions.”
The District identifies four possible levels of water shortage, beginning with “moderate” and increasing in intensity through “severe,” “extreme” and “critical.”
With some river flows and lake levels remaining below normal, the region’s water shortage status ranges from “severe” to “critical.” The District’s color-coded Water Shortage Alert map (right) graphically identifies the status for each county in the District.
Phase IV
Tampa Bay Water’s six member governments include Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties as well as the cities of Tampa, New Port Richey and St. Petersburg.
Under the revised Phase IV order, lawn watering remains limited to the same once-per-week schedule from midnight to 4 a.m. for properties less than one acre. Other major restrictions include:
- Residential and charity car washing are prohibited.
- Pressure washing conducted by commercial businesses only is allowed for certain purposes, which include cleaning to eliminate a safety hazard, preparation for painting or similar activity, maintaining a paint or material warranty, and as needed to meet federal, state or local health and safety standards.
- Aesthetic fountains and other water features are prohibited.
Phase III
The Board also voted to extend Phase III restrictions (Extreme) for Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee and Sarasota counties until July 31, 2009. Under the Phase III order, lawn watering remains limited to the same once-per-week schedule. Properties less than two acres in size may only water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Properties more than two acres in size may only water before 8 a.m. and after 6 p.m. Other major restrictions include:
- Residential car washing is limited to once per week. Even-numbered addresses may wash on Tuesday or Saturday; odd-numbered addresses may wash on Wednesday or Sunday.
- Pressure washing is allowed for necessary purposes, which include cleaning prior to painting or sealing, maintaining a paint or material warranty, addressing a health or safety hazard and complying with local, state or federal health laws. Aesthetic concerns, even those raised by an HOA in accordance with its deed restrictions, do not constitute a “necessary” purpose.
- Aesthetic fountains and other water features may only operate four hours per day. The regular hours of operation can be selected by the owner, but must be posted.
- The order also calls for local governments to strictly enforce the rules.
Phase II
The Board also voted to extend the Phase II restrictions (Severe) for the remaining counties in the District until Sept. 30, 2009. Residents must continue to follow the once-per-week lawn watering schedule. Properties less than two acres in size may only water before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. on the assigned day. Properties more than two acres in size may only water before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. Other major restrictions include:
- Residential car washing is limited to once per week. Even-numbered addresses may wash on Tuesday or Saturday; odd-numbered addresses may wash on Wednesday or Sunday.
- Aesthetic fountains and other water features may only operate eight hours per day. The regular hours of operation can be selected by the owner, but must be posted.
Residents throughout the District are also urged to continue conserving water indoors and outdoors of their homes and businesses, including turning off their irrigation systems when it rains. With outdoor irrigation accounting for as much as 50 percent of residential water usage, skipping a week of watering can result in a significant water savings.
For more information about water restrictions in your area, contact your local utility or visit the District’s web site at WaterMatters.org/restrictions/.
Who Follows Phase IV Restrictions?
In addition to Tampa Bay Water member governments, cities and private utilities that receive water from one of the six member governments must also follow the Phase IV restrictions.
The cities include Belleair Beach, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shores, Indian Rocks Beach, Indian Shores, Kenneth City, Largo, Madeira Beach, North Redington Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, St. Pete Beach, Seminole, Treasure Island, Clearwater, Oldsmar, Pinellas Park, Port Richey, Safety Harbor, South Pasadena and Tarpon Springs. Residents who receive water from Pebble Creek Utilities and Aloha Utilities in Pasco County must also follow the Phase IV restrictions. Belleair and Zephyrhills are voluntarily following the Phase IV restrictions.