Temple Terrace water restrictions: Extreme Phase III rules through Oct. 1

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Temple Terrace residents are still under Modified Phase III “Extreme” drought water shortage restrictions, which the City says are effective April 3 through Oct. 1, 2026. The biggest day-to-day change: outdoor watering is limited to one day per week based on the last number of your street address, with time windows that depend on your property size.

Quick take: one day per week, based on your address ending i

Watering is authorized one day per week based on the last number of your address:

• 0 or 1 = Monday
• 2 or 3 = Tuesday
• 4 or 5 = Wednesday
• 6 or 7 = Thursday
• 8 or 9 = Friday

If you’re watering at a common area, a mixed-address site, or a location with no discernible address, the City/county guidance indicates Friday as the watering day.

Before you schedule sprinklers, confirm your assigned day in the City’s Modified Phase III “Extreme” guidance.

Allowed watering times depend on property size i

According to the City, properties under 1 acre may water only during one of these windows on your assigned day:

• 12:01 a.m. to 4:00 a.m.
• 8:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.

SWFWMD’s standard Modified Phase III rule (unless your city/county has stricter hours) is different for larger properties: properties one acre or larger may water before 4:00 a.m. and after 8:00 p.m.

New lawns and plants: a 60-day establishment period i

The Modified Phase III guidance describes a 60-day establishment period for new lawns and plants:

• Days 1–30: watering is allowed any day
• Days 31–60: watering is allowed three days per week with a written schedule

For the “days 31–60” period, the schedule is based on address parity:

• Even-numbered addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
• Odd-numbered addresses: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Hand-watering and microirrigation: not “any time” i

The City says hand-watering of plants or shrubs is allowed on any day, but only before 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. The City also specifies this does not apply to lawns.

SWFWMD’s Modified Phase III rules similarly limit hand-watering/microirrigation of non-lawn plant material to those hours.

More than sprinklers: car washing, restaurants, and fountains i

Temple Terrace’s “Extreme” notice and SWFWMD’s district rules also restrict or change a few everyday water uses:

• Car washing: allowed only on your assigned watering day, and you must use a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
• Restaurants: water will only be served upon request.
• Fountains and water features: aesthetic fountains/other water features may operate for no more than four hours per day (owners must select the regular hours and post them).

Private wells are included i

Temple Terrace says the watering restrictions apply even if you irrigate using your own private well—the City’s FAQ states the limits apply to all water sources, including private wells and surface/ground water.

Enforcement: citations without warning after a 14-day period i

Both the City’s notice and SWFWMD’s district framework say enforcement shifts to citations without warning starting 14 days after the effective date. If you’re already watering, the practical takeaway is to update sprinkler programming and establishment-period schedules now so you’re aligned before citations begin.

If you’re unsure whether your home qualifies for the “under 1 acre” time windows or falls under the larger-property rule—or whether your landscaping is in the “days 31–60” establishment period—use the City’s Modified Phase III guidance and SWFWMD’s district rules to match your situation before you water.

Sources

• City of Temple Terrace — Modified Phase III water shortage notice (updated June 24, 2026)
• Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) — District Water Restrictions (Modified Phase III “Extreme” through Oct. 1)
• Hillsborough County — Water restrictions extended through Oct. 1 (June 30, 2026)

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