Public Utilities

Southwest Florida Water Management District Water Restrictions

Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Restrictions Began April 3

Effective Date and Areas

• The District’s Modified Phase III water shortage restrictions are in effect April 3, 2026, and expire March 31, 2027.
• The District received below average rainfall during its summer rainy season and currently has a 13.7-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. In addition, water levels in the District’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline and many are severely abnormal. Moreover, public water supplies are extremely low for this time of year.
• The District addresses dry conditions through water shortage actions, which are temporary measures that restrict water use among the various types of permit holders during extended dry conditions.
• The restrictions apply to all of Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota and Sumter counties; portions of Charlotte, Highlands and Lake counties; the City of Dunnellon and The Villages in Marion County; and the portion of Gasparilla Island in Charlotte County.

Lawn Watering Days and Times

• Lawn and landscape watering remains limited to a once-per-week schedule.
• Residents should check with their city or county for their allowable day and times as many have different schedules or stricter hours in effect. Below is the standard watering days schedule based on addresses ending in:
  • 0 or 1 shall only water on Monday
  • 2 or 3, on Tuesday
  • 4 or 5, on Wednesday
  • 6 or 7, on Thursday
  • 8 or 9, on Friday along with locations with a mix of addresses or for which an address cannot be determined (such as common areas associated with a subdivision)
• Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. Properties less than one acre in size may only use one of these windows.
• Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, properties one acre or larger may only water before 4 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
• The restrictions apply to residents on private wells however, reclaimed water is only subject to voluntary watering hours, unless restricted by the local government or utility.

Handwatering and Microirrigation

• Residents may still handwater plants or use microirrigation on to water flower beds, shrubs, or other plant material (other than lawns) on any day, however under the Modified Phase III restrictions it is limited to the hours of before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.

New Lawns and Plants

• New lawns and plants have a 60-day establishment period. On days 1-30, new lawns and plants may be watered any day of the week.
• During days 31-60, new lawns and plants may be watered three days during the week. The user must maintain a written schedule of establishment period watering. Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Odd-numbered addresses may be watered on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Pressure Washing

• Pressure washing in preparation for painting and sealing is allowed.

HOAs

• No HOA or other entity shall enforce deed restrictions or other community standards requiring an increase in water use, including replacement of plant material to meet aesthetic standards or pressure washing.

Mobile Equipment Washing

• Car washing at home (non-commercial) is only allowed on your lawn watering day and you must use a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
• Car washing of fire trucks and other emergency vehicles is allowed.
• Car wash fundraisers held on behalf of non-profit organizations are prohibited, except for one-day events that were scheduled prior to the effective date of this WSO.
• Rinsing of boats and flushing of boat engines is allowed after each use when needed to remove salt water or to prevent the transportation of exotic plant or animal material.
• Cleaning of agricultural vehicles is allowed as necessary.

Fountains

• Aesthetic fountains and other water features may only operate four hours per day. The regular hours of operation can be selected by the owner but must be posted.

Medical and Health

• The use of water for medical purposes or the protection of public health, safety and welfare is not restricted.

Conservation and Enforcement

• Utilities must implement Phase III water conservation efforts, including customer education about the current water shortage and ways to conserve water.
• Water utilities and other local enforcement officials must increase their enforcement efforts, including responding to citizen complaints, and monitoring water use through patrols or customer records.
• Starting 14 days after the effective date of the water shortage order, utilities and other local enforcement officials are to issue citations first without issuing a warning.
• Any violations should be reported to the appropriate local Code Compliance at (863) 968-5182