Hillsborough County, Fla. (Jan. 27, 2026) - Hillsborough County is asking all residential and commercial property owners to observe new guidelines regarding landscape watering days because of the regional drought.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board voted on Tuesday to declare a Modified Phase II "Severe" Water Shortage due to dry conditions across the region, which requires all residents in Hillsborough County, including those on private wells, to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions. The restrictions are in effect from Feb. 8, 2026, through July 1, 2026.
Use of reclaimed water is exempt and is allowed any day of the week but only before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
The region received below average rainfall during the summer rainy season and currently has a 13-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. In addition, water levels in the District's water resources, such as aquifers, rivers, and lakes, are continuing to decline and many are below normal. Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected at this time of year.
Outdoor water use accounts for more than 50% of water consumed by households, and residents should know and follow their local watering restrictions. Hillsborough residents should follow the following schedule:
If your address (house number) ends in...
- 0 or 1, water only on Monday
- 2 or 3, water only on Tuesday
- 4 or 5, water only on Wednesday
- 6 or 7, water only on Thursday
- 8 or 9*, water only on Friday
* and locations without a discernible address
There is more information regarding the restrictions at WaterMatters.org/restrictions, and HCFL.gov/WaterRestrictions.
Low-volume watering of plants and shrubs (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) is allowed any day and any time.
Annual pressure washing or pressure washing in preparation for painting and sealing also is allowed.
Residents could be eligible to receive a rebate worth up to $250 for installing a qualified weather-based irrigation controller or soil moisture sensor. They also can receive an irrigation controller with instillation free of charge, through the Tampa Bay Water Wise program.