Water rules loosened in Tampa, unincorporated Hillsborough

On a week where clouds fill the skies carrying the ever threat of rain, the agency that oversees water resources in the Tampa region loosened its recommended lawn watering restrictions a bit.

Beginning on Saturday, homeowners who had been under a once-a-week watering restriction can now open up the sprinklers twice a week.

The governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District voted to continue the Phase II water shortage order through July 31, but it did include a provision to allow the twice-a-week watering, recognizing lawns need more water now that the days are getting longer, the temperature is getting hotter and the rain over the next three months typically is scarce.

Heres the schedule for when to water in unincorporated Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa:

Addresses ending in 0, 1, 2 or 3 can water on Mondays and Thursdays

Addresses ending in 4, 5 or 6, Tuesdays and Fridays

Addresses ending in 7, 8 or 9, Wednesdays and Saturdays

Locations with no address such as common areas and locations with mixed addresses, such as office complexes and shopping centers, can water on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

All watering must be done before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m., and only once on the designated days.

The restrictions apply to all residences and businesses and includes homeowners with private wells and ponds or lakes that are used as alternate irrigation supplies. Reclaimed water customers are exempt from the water restrictions.

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Water rules loosened in Tampa, unincorporated Hillsborough