Largo Avoids Tighter Water Restrictions

When it comes to water conservation, Largo residents are being asked to keep on doing what they’re doing. Meanwhile, residents of other counties in West Central Florida are being asked to strictly limit their water use.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s governing board voted this week to continue Phase I water restrictions in the Tampa Bay area, including in Largo and Pinellas County. Under Phase I restrictions, residents can water on a two-day-a-week schedule, typically before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

According to the water management district’s Aquifer Resource Weekly Update, the central region, which includes Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties, had aquifer levels at 0.26 feet as of Feb. 22. On the same date last year, the measurement was 1.80 feet. Even so, the Feb. 22 measurement falls within the normal range for the central area, which is between 0 and 5.5 feet.

The board also voted this week to enact Modified Phase III restrictions in Hernando, Citrus and Levy counties, where rainfall has been scarce. Residents there will have to follow tight once-a-week lawn watering restrictions and other guidelines when it comes to water use, according to a district media release.

Pinellas County's watering restrictions and conversation tips are available on its website. Largo's reclaimed water restrictions are available on the city website.