TAMPA (FOX 13) -
It may be a wet day today, but we haven't seen nearly enough rain recently. Now that means stricter water restrictions for people in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.
The Southwest Florida Water Management District just voted to put Phase III watering restrictions into place. That means your lawn-watering days are going from two times a week to one, and it's only allowed before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Car washing is also limited to once per week, and fountains will be restricted to running for just four hours a day.
The tighter restrictions take effect on March 13.
LINK: More information from Swiftmud: http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/restrictions/TBphase3.php
Your watering day is based on your address. Check with your utility to determine what day you are allowed to water.
You can get slapped with a fine if you're caught watering on an off day.
Water officials say we are way below average. Before today, Hillsborough had only seen a total of 5.6 inches of rain since last September, nearly 5 inches below what we should be.
