Lawn watering restrictions continue in the Tampa Bay region, but those wishing to keep their landscape refreshed will now get an extra day to do so.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District, or more commonly known as Swiftmud, says there is still a water shortage. However, because lawn irrigation needs are typically higher in the spring and summer, residents in Pasco, Hillsborough and Pinellas counties can now water twice weekly.
The Swiftmud order does not supersede any more stringent local ordinances, and both micro-irrigation and hand-watering of non-lawn areas are still allowed any day of the week, as needed.
Watering should only take place when needed, Swiftmud officials said. The simplest way to determine when lawns should be watered is if grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least a third of a yard, appear blue-gray, or do not spring back, leaving footprints on a lawn for several minutes after walking on it.
“We are asking residents to continue to be prudent with their water use, especially outdoor irrigation, at this time,” district chair Carlos Beruff said in a release. “It’s important to be mindful of our water supply.”
For more information on restrictions, visit WaterMatters.org/Phase2.
