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Posted August 29, 2023 | 1:23 PM

In the Event of Widespread Power Outages, Hillsborough County Urges Residents to Conserve Water

Hurricane Idalia Update No. 6

Hillsborough County, Fla. (Aug. 29, 2023) - Hillsborough County Water Resources is urging residents to minimize water use if their homes or neighborhoods lose power.

Water that goes down the drain collects in neighborhood pump stations, and without power impacted pump stations can and will overflow. This could present significant public health and safety concern as well as impact the environment. Please minimize water use if the power is out.

Hillsborough County Water Resources will send crews out to help minimize the potential for overflows; however, the greatest way to reduce impacts is through reduced water usage.

Water-Saving Tips

In the bathroom

  • Check for a faulty toilet flapper/stop valve by adding a few drops of food dye into the tank and waiting about 15 minutes
  • Save about 20 gallons of water by filling the bathtub only halfway
  • Save 15 to 30 gallons by reducing shower time by 5 minutes
  • Turn off the sink while brushing your teeth or shaving

In the kitchen

  • Hand-washing dishes typically uses 16 gallons of water, compared to 9.2 to 12.4 gallons for a dishwasher
  • Avoid pre-rinsing dishes
  • Only turn on a dishwasher when it's full
  • Put a jug of water in the refrigerator instead of letting the water run until cold

In the laundry room

  • Wash full loads

In the yard and garden

  • Adjust sprinkler heads so they are not watering sidewalks, driveways, or roads
  • Replace broken sprinkler heads
  • Only water when lawn or plants need it
  • Set mower blades higher during growing season because tall grass retains moisture better
  • Follow water use restrictions, and skip a week of irrigation when possible

Get Connected. Stay Alert.
For more information on Hillsborough County's response to Hurricane Idalia, visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe and sign up for the HCFL Alert system. Additionally, you can follow Hillsborough County on social media at Facebook; X, formerly known as Twitter; and Nextdoor for updates.

Residents without digital access are encouraged to call 833-HC STORM or 833-427-8676, the County's storm information line, for information on Hurricane Idalia or visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe.

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