Pinellas County residents will remain under emergency watering restrictions for at least another three months as water managers grapple with one of the region’s most significant droughts in recent years.

Water Restrictions

The Southwest Florida Water Management District has extended its Modified Phase III Extreme Water Shortage Order through Oct. 1, keeping strict conservation measures in place across Pinellas and much of west-central Florida.

Customers served by Pinellas County Utilities and many municipal systems throughout the county are limited to watering lawns once per week during designated overnight hours. The restrictions apply regardless of whether water comes from public utilities, private wells, ponds or reclaimed water systems.

Homeowners associations cannot require residents to install new landscaping that would increase water use during the shortage. Residential car washing is limited to designated watering days and requires hoses equipped with shutoff nozzles. Ornamental fountains face operating limits, and restaurants may provide drinking water only when requested by customers.

Long-term Water Supply

The extension reflects broader concerns about the region’s long-term water supply. Pinellas County relies heavily on the regional system operated by Tampa Bay Water, which supplies drinking water to more than 2.5 million residents across Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties.

Population growth throughout Tampa Bay continues to place increasing demands on regional water supplies, making efficient water use an increasingly important part of long-term planning across Pinellas County and the broader region.

Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.