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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who should I call with questions about my water bill?
  2. How do you figure my bill?
  3. Why are the City's water rates increasing?
  4. What is the Tampa Bay Water Pass-Through Charge and why doesn't it appear on my bill every month?
  5. Why does my water bill sometimes vary from month to month?
  6. Some months my water bill seems very high. Why is that?
  7. Does the Water Department give discounts?
  8. Can I get an allowance on my bill for filling my swimming pool?
  9. What are connection fees?
  10. Why doesn’t the City issue warnings any more for first water use restriction violations?
  11. Does the City’s water use restriction ordinance include water uses other than irrigation?
  12. I am a Tampa Water Department customer but live in Unincorporated Hillsborough County. Whose water restrictions do I follow?
  13. My mailing address is Tampa. Doesn't that mean I live inside the city limits?
  14. What exactly does the City’s water use restriction ordinance mean where it reads “All wasteful and grossly inefficient water use shall be restricted?”
  15. I just got a water use violation citation for irrigating new plant materials. I thought that was allowed. Who do I call?
  16. Why does the City maintain strict water use restrictions during periods when it is raining frequently?
  17. Why do I have to have a working irrigation system to receive a Sensible Sprinkling Irrigation Evaluation?
  18. What is a backflow device and why do I need one?
  19. I am making a plumbing repair. Am I allowed to use the curb stop valve in the water meter box to turn off my water?
  20. Why isn't reclaimed water available in my neighborhood?
  21. Are there any water use restrictions which limit when I can wash my car at my home?
  22. What are the Southwest Florida Water Management District water use restrictions in effect that are not included in Tampa's Ordinance 2006-104?

 


 

Who should I call with questions about my water bill?

If you have any questions about your bill, call the Revenue and Finance Department's Utility Accounting Division at (813) 274-8811.

 

How do you figure my bill?

The Tampa Water Department measures water use by cubic feet instead of gallons. One hundred (100) cubic feet of water, which is the same as 748 gallons, is one unit. You are billed for water by the unit. Tampa has a tiered water rate; so the more you use, the more you pay per unit.

 

Why are the City's water rates increasing?

In 2007, Tampa City Council approved a 5-year potable (drinking) water rate schedule. Water rates will increase approximately 12 percent annually through 2011, with the new rates becoming effective each year on October 1. The 5-year rate schedule will help ensure Tampa Water Department customers continue to receive the highest quality services.

Revenue from these rate increases will allow the Tampa Water Department to accomplish several significant objectives over the next few years: replace aging pipes; expand the reclaimed water system in order to offset potable water use; improve and protect the health of the lower Hillsborough River; and pay for increased operation and maintenance costs.

It is important to note that these rate increases do not affect the reclaimed water rate, which remains at $1.20 a unit.
 

What is the Tampa Bay Water Pass-Through Charge and why doesn't it appear on my bill every month?

The Tampa Bay Water Pass-Through Charge was established in order for the city to recover the additional costs associated with water purchases from Tampa Bay Water. Tampa Bay Water is a regional water utility that sells water to local water providers. The City of Tampa purchases water from Tampa Bay Water during times when demand is high and our own resources can no longer meet customer demand. This surcharge was put into place to recover the difference between what we pay Tampa Bay Water and what it normally costs us to produce water at our own facilities.

The surcharge is only passed on to our customers during times when the City of Tampa has had to buy water from Tampa Bay Water. A per unit cost is calculated from the total cost for all of the purchases from Tampa Bay Water during the previous 3 month period. The amount each customer pays is calculated by multiplying their individual usage times that per unit cost. The surcharge appears a separate line item on the utility bill and, like the tier rates for water, the surcharge line item is subject to tax.

For more information on the surcharge contact a Utility Accounting Division Customer Service Representative at (813) 274-8811.

 

Why does my water bill sometimes vary from month to month?

To save taxpayers money, water meters are read every other month. The bill for the month when your meter is not read is an estimate so every other bill reflects your household's adjusted actual use.

 

Some months my water bill seems very high. Why is that?

There are many possible reasons. Household guests or additional residents increase water consumption. Filling a swimming pool takes a tremendous amount of water. A hose left running on the lawn can waste hundreds of gallons. So may a constantly running toilet. Just a leaking faucet can waste 500 gallons of water per week! Saving water can help lower your utility bill. Visit the Water Use Calculator to see how you use water and ways to lower your consumption.

If your water bill increases dramatically and your household patterns haven't changed, you may have a leak. For this, or any other question about your bill, please call the Revenue and Finance Department's Utility Accounting Division at (813) 274-8811.

 

Does the Water Department give discounts?

Sorry, no. We are sometimes asked to give discounts for large families or for people who have new lawns or swimming pools, but our policy is to charge for the amount of water used. We think that's fair to all our customers.

Please note that we don't charge for the water itself; we only charge for the cost of purifying the water and delivering it to you.

 

Can I get an allowance on my bill for filling my swimming pool?

Sorry, no. We are sometimes asked to give allowances for people who refill swimming pools after pool maintenance, but our policy is to charge for the amount of water used. We think that's fair to all our customers.

Please note that we don't charge for the water itself; we only charge for the cost of purifying the water and delivering it to you.

However, because your wastewater charges are calculated based upon your metered water use,  you may be eligible for an partial allowance for the wastewater charges associated with a pool filling. Contact Revenue and Finance Department's Utility Accounting Division at (813) 274-8811 for more information.

 

What are connection fees?

Connection fees are one-time charges for property owners who want to become customers of the Tampa water system. These fees do not apply to properties that already are paying for water service.

Those affected may include new construction or properties being switched from well water to City water. 

Connection fees vary; call the Tampa Water Department Planning Section at (813) 274-8121 for more information.

 

Why doesn’t the City issue warnings any more for first water use restriction violations?

The issuance of warnings for first water use restriction violations began in May 2006, when the current one-day water use ordinance went into effect. The discontinuance of warnings and the establishment of one-day irrigation restrictions are a continuing response to less than normal levels of rainfall, increased irrigation demands, decreased flow in the Hillsborough River and lower than usual reservoir levels during dry periods.
All of those conditions and forecasts for the immediate future indicate that continuing demand reductions during wet periods to “bank” water for dry periods remains a prudent course of action for Tampa residents.

 

Does the City’s water use restriction ordinance include water uses other than irrigation?

Yes. A number of outdoor water use restrictions are included in the ordinance, including restrictions related to the use of open hoses, aesthetic fountains, pressure washing and watering-in of pesticides and fertilizers. It is suggested that all water users in Tampa review the ordinance and check this Web site periodically for updates to ensure that they avoid a water use restriction citation.

 

I am a Tampa Water Department customer but live in Unincorporated Hillsborough County. Whose water restrictions do I follow?

Tampa's water use restrictions are contained in the City's Code of Ordinances. Accordingly, the jurisdiction to enforce the restrictions extends only to the municipal boundaries of the City.

The result is that water restrictions and enforcement depends on where you are, not your water provider.

Water use restrictions for Tampa Water Department customers residing in unincorporated Hillsborough County are established and enforced by Hillsborough County Water Resource Services. Hillsborough County restrictions may be viewed at http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/water/restrictions/.  For more information about county water use restrictions, please call Hillsborough County Water Resource Services, Water Restriction Information Line at (813) 275-7094.

 

My mailing address is Tampa. Doesn't that mean I live inside the city limits?

Mailing addresses are not good indicators of municipal boundaries. Customers unclear on where their property is located can consult their property records for their Tax District.  To view communities the Tampa Water Department serve outside the city limits a map is available at www.tampagov.net/dept_Water/files/COTW_SERVICE_AREA_STR_Reduced_1.pdf.

Locations inside Tampa can use an address specific search tool at www.tampagov.net/water to find their watering day.

 

What exactly does the City’s water use restriction ordinance mean where it reads “All wasteful and grossly inefficient water use shall be restricted?”

Tampa’s water use restriction ordinance defines “wasteful and unnecessary use” of water to not be limited to but to include these types of use:

1. Allowing water to be dispersed without any practical purpose to the water user, regardless of the type of water used;
2. Allowing water to be dispersed in a grossly inefficient manner, regardless of the time of water use;
3. Allowing water the be dispersed to accomplish a purpose for which water use is unnecessary or which can be readily accomplished through alternative methods without water use.

It is suggested that all water users in Tampa review the ordinance and check this Web site periodically for updates to ensure that they avoid a water use restriction citation.

 

 I just got a water use violation citation for irrigating new plant materials. I thought that was allowed. Who do I call?

Tampa’s water use restriction ordinance sets out specific guidelines for irrigating new plant materials. Please call the Water Enforcement Office at (813) 349-5014 with questions about your citation and information about what to do if the irrigation you were cited for is allowed within the ordinance.

 

Why does the City maintain strict water use restrictions during periods when it is raining frequently?

The establishment of one-day irrigation restrictions are a continuing response to less than normal levels of rainfall, increased irrigation demands, decreased flow in the Hillsborough River and lower than usual reservoir levels during dry periods.
All of those conditions and forecasts for the immediate future indicate that continuing demand reductions during wet periods to “bank” water for dry periods remains a prudent course of action for Tampa residents.

 

Why do I have to have a working irrigation system to receive a Sensible Sprinkling Irrigation Evaluation?

The Sensible Sprinkling Irrigation Evaluation program exists to help customers make informed decisions about upgrades they can make to their system to increase their outdoor water use efficiency. Suggested upgrades may be in the areas of zoning, equipment and/or routine maintenance. In order to assess the efficiency of an existing system, the system must be fully operational during the evaluation. The evaluator does not perform system maintenance during the evaluation. Customers whose systems are not fully operational when the evaluator arrives will be asked to bring the system to working order and then reschedule the evaluation.

 

What is a backflow device and why do I need one?

A backflow device is a mechanical insert in your plumbing system on your side of the meter that prevents a reversal of water flow. Having backflow devices on water connections helps maintain drinking water quality throughout the system to ensure that all customers receive the highest quality water possible.

 

Approved backflow prevention devices are required to be installed on the service connection to any premises that the department has identified as having a potential for backflow. Additionally, all irrigation systems are required to have backflow prevention devices, and any property which is connected both to potable water supplies and reclaimed water supplies is required to have the potable water supply protected by an approved backflow prevention device.

Prevent potential cross connections or backflow resulting from a garden hose being submerged in a bucket, sink, pond, swimming pool, car radiator, or a chemical applicator attached to the hose by installing inexpensive hose bibb vacuum breakers, commonly available in the plumbing section of home improvement stores, between outdoor spigots and garden hoses.


 

I am making a plumbing repair. Am I allowed to use the curb stop valve in the water meter box to turn off my water?

No, The curb stop is City property and Tampa City Code Section 26-70 prohibits anyone other than an authorized representative of the City from turning off or turning on water at the City's curb stop. Any damage to the City valve, water meter or service as a result of unauthorized use will be billed to the account holder. Customers can call the Water Emergency Service Section at (813) 274-7400 to request a field technician be dispatched to turn off and turn on water at the curb stop. Fees may apply.

The fastest way to shut your water off is to locate your shut off valve (not to be confused with the City's curb stop), typically placed on the side of your home or structure. This valve is usually located in line with the meter box, low to the ground, sometimes behind bushes and on property. It is recommended that every home or structure have its own property shut off valve. This will help minimize water damage to property in cases of emergencies where the water is leaking. If your property does not have one, consider having one installed.

If you are experiencing a leak at a fixture (such as a sink or toilet), there are small shut-off valves located underneath that can be used for a shut down in cases of emergencies or repair.

 

Why isn't reclaimed water available in my neighborhood?

The initial reclaimed water service areas were selected based on their concentration of heavy irrigation and their proximity to the Howard F. Curren Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. These factors were important in ensuring the economic feasibility of the project.

For continued expansion it was determined that large users have the highest potential to conserve drinking water and lowest investment cost to connect due to their higher water demands and proximity to the current system.  In September 2008, the Tampa Water Department signed an agreement with the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority (HCAA), the City's first official larger reclaimed water user. The reclaimed water main will be extended to Tampa International Airport and the HCAA is scheduled to begin taking reclaimed water from the City in early 2010, initially for irrigation and then for their cooling towers. The City is installing a reclaimed water main larger than the size needed to meet the HCAA’s demands to allow the City to potentially expand the reclaimed water system around the airport and toward Rocky Point.

In addition to continuing negotiations with other large users, expansion plans are underway in other parts of Tampa as well. The reclaimed water system will be extended to provide irrigation when the Curtis Hixon Riverfront Park opens in 2009; and plans continue to move forward to expand reclaimed water further down Bayshore Boulevard and the surrounding area.

Additional expansion driven by larger users will allow reclaimed water service to expand to the residential users surrounding the new mains. If you are interested in becoming a reclaimed water customer, contact (813) 282-7827 for more information.

 

Are there any water use restrictions which limit when I can wash my car at my home?

Tampa's water use restrictions ordinance 2006-104 permits the washing of automobiles, trucks, trailers, railroad cars, mobile homes, campers, boats, or any other type of mobile vehicles or equipment, provided a hand held device with an automatic shut-off valve or nozzle is used or a business enterprise established for such purpose is used. We are required to enforce Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) restrictions when more stringent than ours.

 

Current Phase II shortage restrictions enacted by the SWFWMD limits personal car washing at a residential property to:

  • Low-volume methods only, such as a hand held hose with auto shut-off valve (nozzle)

  • Once a week only

  • Even addresses on Tuesdays or Saturdays only

  • Odd addresses on Wednesdays or Sundays only

 

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Copyright © 1996-2008 City of Tampa.  All rights reserved. - Last Updated: 11/21/2008