Florida Issues

Additional Phase IV Water Restrictions | View article
On March 31, 2009, the District Governing Board voted to tighten water restrictions for select utilities in Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas counties. Download Tampa restrictions

posted 04.02.09

Officials Tighten Water Restrictions | View article
Tampa Bay Newspapers - Seminole, FL, USA
Especially during a severe drought, conservation needs to be a part of our ... Charity car washes are now prohibited. Commercial car wash operations are ...

posted 04.01.09

New Water Rules Aren't Bad for Everyone | View article
MyFox Tampa Bay - Tampa ,FL, USA
"Oh I think it would bring the car count up. Most definitely," said Jim Johnson, who expects the new rules to bring in new customers for his car wash in ...

posted 03.31.09

SWFWMD May Tighten Water | View article
MyFox Tampa Bay - Tampa, FL, USA
... but it wasn't enough to put much of a dent in the drought situation. ... and fundraiser car washes, along with cutting back on hours for lawn watering. ...

posted 03.30.09

Tampa Bay Reservoir Nearly Dry, Prompting Possible 'Unprecedented' Water Restrictions
Tampa Bay Water's 15-billion-gallon reservoir is about a month from being drained dry, a sign of just how dire the region's drought has become, utility officials said Monday. Now, with the region heading into the traditionally dry spring season, Tampa Bay Water is asking state water management officials to impose the toughest watering restrictions in area history.

Another possibility: tacking on a "drought surcharge" to raise the rates of heavy water users. "We're in a severe water shortage, and we need to take action," said Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe, chairman of the utility's board. Rainfall has been below average since 2007, leaving rivers with less than their usual flows. The Hillsborough River, for instance, is 80 percent below normal. When the rivers drop to a certain point, Tampa Bay Water can't take any water out to fill up its reservoir.

In September the utility began tapping the reservoir to slake the region's thirst. The reservoir's level dropped to just 1.2-billion gallons on Jan. 26, and it has continued to drop steadily since. "We have about 700 million gallons remaining, which is less than 30 days of supplies," said Alison Adams, the utility's senior scientist.

The Tampa Bay region has been under what's classified as Phase III watering restrictions, but now Tampa Bay Water has asked the Southwest Florida Water Management District to step up the limits to Phase IV.

"That's unprecedented," said Richard Owen, deputy director of the agency commonly known as Swiftmud. If the agency approves that step, it could mean reducing even further the times when homeowners can irrigate their lawns, limit car washes and turn off fountains. The request is on the water district's Feb. 24 agenda.

Although the utility is gearing up its desalination plant to produce the maximum of 25-million gallons a day starting next month, that's the most expensive water to produce, utility officials said. They're also going to increase their pumping of water from the ground, although it will likely violate their pumping permit.

Gainesville Car Wash First in State to Unveil State of the Art Dog Wash
September 9, 2008 – Dog owners in Gainesville can smile as a local business is the first in the state to own and operate the newest generation of self-service dog wash machines. “Scrubs Dog Wash” is proud to announce its grand opening on Saturday, September 13 2008 at 9 am on 3135 SW 42nd Street, Gainesville, FL. “Scrubs Dog Wash” uses the Australian made K9000 Self Service Dog Wash that allows dog owners to wash their pets in a fun, safe, effective and affordable way while getting dogs clean at a fraction of what groomers charge.

“Happy dogs mean happy people.” said Mike Wasik, co- owner of “Scrubs Dog Wash. “We see how popular the concept is becoming in Europe and Australia and wanted to bring the idea to Florida”. For $10, dollars dogs can be washed, rinsed, disinfected and dried in a matter of minutes. It’s all done in an easy to use self-contained, self serve unit keeping the dog happy and safe. Last year, pet owners spent $41 billion dollars on their pets.  It’s one of the fastest growing industries in the United States.

“Dog owners treat their dogs like part of the family and we wanted to make sure they have a place to get their dogs clean and have fun at the same time” said Wasik.  “Scrubs Dog Wash” is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. “For college students, a self-serve dog wash is a fun and affordable way to save time, money and get your dog really clean”.

The K9000 Dog Wash has become a fun innovative pet care center at more than 70 locations across Australia. The Gainesville location is the third location in the United States. Other locations are In Georgia and Texas.