Parched west Fla. gets new water restrictions

April 2009

U.S. Water News Online

TAMPA, Fla. — Coping with a three-year drought, state water managers in west Florida have approved tough new restrictions on water use.

The new rules drastically reduce hours allowed for lawn-sprinkling and ban ornamental fountains. Residential pressure washing and car washing are out, too — including charity car washes.

The changes affect water customers in a wide swath of west Florida that is part of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The state agency approved the new rules.

Even tougher water restrictions were already in place in the city of Tampa.

Officials hope the new rules will cut water use by 20 percent and save 50 million gallons a day.

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