Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) has declared a Phase I Water Shortage Order because of prolonged drought conditions. Starting Dec. 1, 2023, residents can only water their lawns one day a week. The irrigation restrictions are for all water users in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.

The restriction includes all lawn and landscape irrigation use in Hillsborough County from public supply, ponds, lakes, streams, and well water. The new watering restrictions do not apply to residents who have reclaimed water for their lawn and landscape. These restrictions supersede the water use restrictions under normal year-round water conservation measures, as well as homeowner association watering requirements.