Water Restrictions

Modified Phase II Water Shortage Restrictions

The District’s Modified Phase II one-day-per-week water shortage restrictions are in effect Feb. 8, 2026, through July 1, 2026.
We received below average rainfall during the summer rainy season and, as of December, have a 13-inch rainfall deficit compared to the historical average 12-month total. Water levels in the region’s aquifers, rivers and lakes are declining. Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected at 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.

The Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order reduces lawn watering to one day per week Districtwide, including residents on private wells, through July 1, 2026.
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)
Watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 8 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.; properties less than one acre in size may only use one of these windows.
Low-volume watering (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) of plants and shrubs (not lawns) is allowed any day and any time.

New lawns and plants have a 60-day establishment period. On days 1-30, they may be watered any day of the week. During days 31-60, irrigation is limited to one application on each of three specified days. Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Odd-numbered addresses may be watered on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Cemeteries and other properties two acres or greater are permitted to use an alternative schedule to provide three days of establishment irrigation per week from day 31 through day 60 so long as a written schedule of establishment period watering is maintained at the property. From day 31 through day 60, properties with no discernable address, such as common areas and rights of way, are permitted to provide establishment period irrigation on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
This establishment period begins the day the New Plant Material is installed and is limited to areas containing New Plant Material only. An entire zone of an Irrigation system may only be used for establishment period watering if the zone in question is for an area that contains at least 50% New Plant Material.
The property owner or manager shall, upon request, provide a receipt or other proof of qualification for the new plant establishment period or other claimed exemption or allowance.

Reclaimed water is only subject to voluntary watering hours, unless restricted by the local government or utility.

Annual pressure washing or in preparation for painting and sealing is allowed.
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 (i.e. driveways).
Car washing at home (non-commercial) is only allowed on your lawn watering day and you must use a hose with a shutoff nozzle.
Aesthetic fountain use is limited to eight hours a day. Exemptions for koi ponds, small fountains, interactive commercial/institutional recreation areas and other incidental uses (see rule).

Hand watering and micro-irrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done on any day at any time, if needed.
Water only when plants or lawns start to wilt.
Use soil moisture sensors and rain sensors with irrigation systems to automatically gauge water needs.
If mowing is necessary, increase mowing height to the highest setting to reduce stress on lawns. The lower the cut, the less
drought resistant the lawn will be over time.
Make sure irrigation systems are operating at peak performance by checking and clearing filters in the system.
Clean and properly direct sprinkler heads.
Do not use fertilizer during dry conditions because it increases a lawn’s thirst for water.
Remove weeds to lessen competition for available water.
Use mulch to keep moisture near roots of plants.

Excess fertilizers and pesticides applied to lawns and gardens wash off, are carried through the storm sewer system, and pollute waterbodies causing algae blooms. Do not over fertilize or use pesticides during a forecasted rain event. A fertilizer buffer is in place adjacent to all waterbodies.
Yard clippings (grass, brush, etc.) and leaves can wash into storm drains and can choke, suffocate, or disable aquatic life. Bag yard clippings and leaves for disposal on your garbage day.
Be sure to cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects to prevent erosion.
Leaving pet waste on the ground increases public health risks by allowing harmful bacteria and nutrients to wash into storm drains and eventually into local waterbodies.

Residents are asked to check their irrigation systems to ensure they are working properly. This means testing and repairing broken pipes and leaks, and damaged or tilted sprinkler heads.
Residents should also check their irrigation timer to ensure the settings are correct and the rain sensor is working properly in accordance with state law.