Tough water restrictions will stay in place for now

Update: The Southwest Florida Management District has voted unanimously to continue Phase IV water restrictions, at least until the end of July.

The board enacted Phase IV restrictions for Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties beginning March 31st.

In a letter last month, Tampa Bay Water, the area's largest water utility, asked the water management district to keep the tough Phase IV restrictions in place.

Here's the utility's explanation. The main drinking water sources for Tampa Bay Water are the Hillsborough and Alafya Rivers. Those waterways seem to be at an acceptable level. The problem is the backup water supply. As of last month, the C.W. Bill Young Reservoir in Hillsborough County had only about a quarter of the backup water the utility says it needs.

Here are some of the rules.

-Residents and businesses in Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough Counties are limited to watering lawns once a week from midnight to 4 a.m.

-The Phase IV restrictions forbid residential car washing, charity car washing, pressure washing by homeowners, aesthetic fountains and water features.

-The rules also prohibit pressure cleaning except by professionals.

The board will revisit the rules at the end of July.

Click here to view water restrictions for your area.