The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board has declared a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to dry conditions across the region. The declaration requires residents, including those using private wells, to follow one-day-per-week lawn watering restrictions.
The restrictions will be in effect from Feb. 8, 2026, through July 1, 2026, and 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.
According to the District, the region received below-average rainfall during the summer rainy season and currently has a 13-inch rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. Water levels in aquifers, rivers and lakes continue to decline, with many below normal levels. Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are also lower than expected for this time of year.
The District reports that outdoor water use accounts for more than 50 percent of household water consumption. Residents are advised to check with their local city or county for specific watering days and times, as some jurisdictions have different schedules or stricter limits.
Additional provisions of the Water Shortage Order include:
Low-volume watering of plants and shrubs using micro-irrigation, soaker hoses or hand watering is allowed any day and any time.
Pressure washing is permitted once annually or when preparing for painting or sealing.
Homeowners associations and other entities are prohibited from enforcing requirements that would increase water use, including landscape replacement for aesthetic standards or pressure washing.
Non-commercial car washing at home is allowed only on the designated lawn watering day and must use a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
Aesthetic fountains are limited to operation for eight hours per day.
Report Watering Violation: Use this service to report a water use violation, or you may call us at 1-800-836-0797 (FL only) or (813) 856-5679 (during business hours). and leave a detailed message.
SOURCE:The Southwest Florida Water Management District
