WATER SHORTAGE
Strict Phase II Watering Rules in Effect for Temple Terrace and surrounding areas.


Unusually low groundwater levels have prompted the Southwest Florida Water Management District to institute strict
water-usage regulations throughout west central Florida, including the City of Temple Terrace.
The rules are mandatory and have been extended through February, 2010.

NOTE: If your water service is provided by a utility other than Temple Terrace, such as the City of Tampa, you must follow that utility's water-use regulations. Your water bill will indicate your service provider. Tampa currently is under Phase III watering restrictions.

In Temple Terrace:
Lawn watering in Temple Terrace will follow a schedule based on homeowners' addresses. Addresses ENDING in the following numbers may only irrigate on:

Ending in 0 or 1 - Monday
Ending in 2 or 3 - Tuesday
Ending in 4 or 5 - Wednesday
Ending in 6 or 7 - Thursday
Ending in 8 or 9 - Friday

* Homeowners may water their lawns ONLY before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. and ONLY on their appointed day.
* Hand-watering of plants or micro-irrigation of other non-lawn landscaping may be done any day.
* New sod has a 30-day establishment period.
* Washing of vehicles is allowed once per week and fundraiser events are allowed. Car washing at residential properties is allowed on certain days: even-numbered addresses may wash on Tuesday or Saturday; odd-numbered addresses may water on Wednesday or Sunday. A low-volume method must be used, such as a garden hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle.
* Pressure-washing of buildings or other structures in preparation for painting or other maintenance is allowed. The annual
pressure-washing of sidewalks, driveways, structures and other impervious surfaces as part of a planned maintenance program is allowed. Pressure-washing for health and safety reasons is allowed.
* Aesthetic fountains and waterfalls may operate eight hours a day; however, their use is discouraged.
* In all cases, residents are urged to conserve water as much as possible and use only as much as needed.
* New rules require water utilities and other agencies to increase their enforcement efforts, including requirements to respond to citizen complaints and issue citations without first issuing a warning.

Temple Terrace Police and Code Compliance officers have stepped up enforcement, including early morning and evening inspections. First-time violators will be issued a Notice of Violation. Repeat violations could result in fines of up to $500.

Anyone with questions about the mandatory water restrictions or fire hydrant flushing should contact the Temple Terrace Public Works Department at (813) 506-6570. For code enforcement issues, call Code Compliance at (813) 506-6680.