Extreme Water Shortage Grips West Central Florida

West Central Florida is currently under an "Extreme" Water Shortage, with restrictions expected to remain in place until at least October 1. This measure is necessary as May received 11 inches less rainfall than normal, leaving rivers, lakes, and a primary reservoir significantly below typical levels entering the rainy season. The order affects over a dozen counties surrounding Tampa and Sarasota.

Outdoor watering is now limited to between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. on a resident's assigned watering day, determined by the last digit of their address. While hand watering for plants is permitted before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m., broader restrictions are in place for lawn watering, car washing, and decorative fountains to preserve diminishing water supplies. These measures are critical as worsening weather conditions strain essential resources, impacting public health, fire risk, and local economies.

To further manage the crisis, officials have renewed emergency orders. These allow for adjustments to canal levels for reservoir supplementation and increased water withdrawals from rivers to meet regional demands. Non-commercial car washing is permitted only on a household's assigned watering day, requiring a hose with a shutoff nozzle. Homeowners' associations are also prohibited from mandating landscaping changes that would increase water consumption.