You might have noticed its been hotter and drier than normal this spring. In fact, most of our region is now in an "extreme drought" according to the federal government.
That means you're being told to wash your car and water your lawn less often.
Southwest Florida Water Management District has issued an emergency order telling residents in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Pasco counties to limit their water use.
For example, some residents are being asked to only water their lawns or wash their cars once a week.
District spokeswoman Robyn Felix describes just how low river levels are in Hillsborough County.
"The Hillsborough and Alafia Rivers are both considered critically abnormal," Felix said, "They're at very low levels, in fact the Alafia River reached a historic low level yesterday."
Some counties to the north of Tampa Bay are under stricter regulations -- Manatee and Sarasota counties are under less strict guidelines. Felix says you should check with your local water provider for more details.
Tampa residentsclick here.
Hillsborough County residents outside Tampa click here.
St. Petersburg residents click here.
Pinellas County residents click here.
