As we all know, it’s been a pretty hot and dry spring. In fact, there’s been so little rainfall the Tampa Bay Water Department started buying drinking water from Tampa Bay Water to cover the missing supply.
While you may not be able to summon a monsoon, here’s a few ways you can be a good steward of Tampa Bay’s water and rainfall.
- Join the Tampa Bay Water Wise Program. Homeowners can earn rebates from $40-$1000 for installing high efficiency toilets, smart irrigation systems (which help you not overwater your lawn), and shallow wells.
- Did you know that the Hillsborough River is the primary source of water for the Tampa Water Department? Help keep our waterways clear by signing up for one of Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful’s Riverwalk and other cleanups.
- Need a car wash? Skip the at-home suds and head to a car wash. Some companies (like Tommy’s Express Tampa) use reclaimed water to reduce water use.
- Working on your garden or landscaping? Consider drought-tolerant plants and grass (like Bermuda). Look up your hardiness zone to see what types of plants thrive in your slice of Tampa Bay.
- Start your rainwater guardian journey tonight from 6-8 p.m. The City of St. Petersburg offers a free virtual workshop about conserving drinking water + how to collect rainwater. Plus, attendees can register for a free rain barrel.
- UF/IFAS Hillsborough is hosting a Rainwater Harvesting class for Hillsborough County residents Saturday, May 6. Attendees will learn how to collect rainwater to water plants and reduce stormwater runoff and erosion. Residents will also receive a 45-55 gallon plastic barrel after attending the workshop. Register for $5.
Have any pro tips to share with us? Let us know.
