Water conservation is a way of life in Florida, but during extended dry periods—like the one we’re experiencing now—it becomes even more important. Ongoing dry conditions mean we’re relying more heavily on certain water sources. That’s why we’re asking everyone to use only what you need and avoid waste where possible.
Conservation isn’t just about following rules. It’s about protecting our water supplies, supporting the environment and ensuring we can meet the needs of a growing region both now and in the future.
Why Your Water Use Matters
Tampa Bay Water uses a blend of groundwater, river water and seawater along with a 15‑billion‑gallon reservoir to supply drinking water to the region. During droughts, river levels drop and less river water is available, or not available at all. That means we rely more on groundwater, seawater desalination and the river water stored in the reservoir.
Conserving water helps in several important ways:
1. It extends our water supplies Saving water slows down how quickly we draw from groundwater and stored river water. That helps us stay within state‑issued water use permits designed to protect natural systems.
2. It reduces costs Desalinated seawater is drought‑proof—but it’s also our most energy‑intensive and costly source. When the community conserves, we use less of this expensive supply, keeping water treatment costs lower.
3. It supports the environment When we use less, more water stays in rivers, wetlands and aquifers where it’s needed to support wildlife and natural ecosystems.
Does Conservation Really Make a Difference?
During dry periods, up to 50% of residential drinking water use comes from lawn irrigation alone. That means most of the region’s potential water savings can happen outdoors. In winter, lawns only need water every 10–14 days, even without rain. Watering less or skipping a week entirely saves up to 2,500 gallons per watering cycle depending on the size of your lawn. Furthermore, the Tampa Bay region was in a similar drought scenario two years ago. Watering restrictions were tightened, and residents helped reduce regional demands by nearly 30%.
How Tampa Bay Water Supports Conservation
We don’t just ask for conservation—we invest in it. The Tampa Bay Water Wise rebate program offers incentives ranging from $40 to more than $40,000 for installing high‑efficiency fixtures, equipment and technology in homes and businesses. These upgrades save water every day, not just during droughts. Learn more at TampaBayWaterWise.org
Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program
Tampa Bay Water funds the UF/IFAS Extension programs in the three counties we serve, providing more than $500,000 annually for irrigation evaluations, workshops and educational programs that help residents create water‑efficient landscapes. These programs directly support the community while promoting long-term water savings.
About the Current Restrictions
Beginning February 8 through July 1, the Southwest Florida Water Management District has implemented one‑day‑per‑week watering across the region. These measures:
Low‑volume irrigation (like drip or micro‑irrigation), hand-watering and other efficient methods remain allowed any day.
Find your watering day at MyWaterDay.org
The Bottom Line
Tampa Bay will not run out of drinking water. But saving water now helps protect our environment, manage costs and preserve the reliability of our regional water system. Every action—whether it’s watering less, fixing a leak or installing a water‑saving device—plays a part. When each of us does a little, our region gains a lot.
