County residents are required to follow once-a-week watering restrictions as dry conditions persist
The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed April as Water Conservation Month at its meeting April 1. The proclamation comes as the county faces a Phase III Extreme water shortage declared by the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWIFTMUD). While the need to conserve the precious resource is of the utmost importance every year, it's even more important this year considering the ongoing water shortage. The region is experiencing one of its driest periods in years, with significantly below-average rainfall and declining water levels in aquifers, rivers, and reservoirs.
Phase three is considered extreme, according to County experts. Officials cite a 13-inch rainfall deficit compared to last year, saying it all adds up to what is considered one of the worst droughts in 50 years.
Current watering restrictions
Under the Modified Phase III "Extreme" Water Shortage, all Hillsborough County residents, including those on private wells, are required to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions. Watering can only be done from 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m., or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the assigned day. The restrictions are in effect from now until July 1, 2026. County officials say it's important for residents to stay informed about the water use restrictions.
Know your watering days:
- 0 or 1, water only on Mondays
- 2 or 3, water only on Tuesdays
- 4 or 5, water only on Wednesdays
- 6 or 7, water only on Thursdays
- 8 or 9, water only on Fridays
Common areas with or without street addresses, locations with no addresses and locations with mixed addresses, can only water on Fridays
Find more information about the latest watering restrictions, including watering times.
Why water conservation matters now
April is one of the driest months of the year in Florida. As summer approaches and temperatures climb, so does water use. Since 1999, Hillsborough County has joined the State of Florida in designating April as Water Conservation Month, to teach residents ways they can help save Florida's water resources.
Tips to conserve water at home:
Indoors:
- Fix leaks as soon as you spot them
- Take shorter showers
- Only run full loads of laundry
- Turn off the tap when not actively using it
- Upgrade to water-efficient fixtures and appliances
Outdoors:
- Follow the latest watering restrictions
- Water only what truly needs it
- Check irrigation systems for waste
- Use low-volume watering where possible
- Consider micro-irrigation instead of broad spray irrigation
- Hold off on unnecessary outdoor water use and nonessential washing
Florida Friendly Landscaping
Residents interested in making long-term changes to their landscape can check out the county's Florida-Friendly Landscaping (FFL) Program. The initiative promotes nine key principles to achieve water conservation and water quality protection. County officials say those principles lead to lasting environmental impacts and will help residents save money.
In addition, SWIFTMUD's WISE program offers reimbursement of up to 50%, or a maximum of $20,000, in cost-share grants that improve water use efficiency for qualifying conservation projects managed by homeowner, condominium, or neighborhood associations.
Hillsborough County residents interested in learning more about the FFL Program can attend upcoming workshops happening throughout the summer. Check out the County's upcoming schedule and register.
Looking ahead
Officials say conservation efforts now will help bridge the gap until the region's rainy season begins, typically in late spring. The goal is to make sure the region has a sustainable water supply not just for today, but for the future.
Learn more about Water Conservation Month and stay up to date on the latest water restrictions at HCFL.gov/waterrestrictions.