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The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) Governing Board declared a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to dry conditions throughout the region, which requires all residents, including those on private wells, in the cities and counties listed below to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions.

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 from Feb. 8, 2026, through July 1, 2026.

The District received below average rainfall during its summer rainy season and currently has a 13-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 below normal. Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected at this time of year.

Requirements for Utilities

Water utilities, in consultation with applicable local enforcement agencies, must:

• Review, update and implement procedures for enforcing year-round and water shortage restrictions.
• Report information to the District regarding violations involving a Water Use Permit holder.
• Respond to residential and other enforcement referrals made by the District.
• Transmit enforcement data to the District monthly.
• Inform customers about the declaration, local supplies and water conservation opportunities.
• Address inquiries from the District and citizens about line flushing and disinfection activity.

More on Enforcement Reports

The District created a new form to make it easier for utilities to submit the required enforcement data by the 1st of the month. For example, January reports are due by Feb. 1. View the new form here, and please share with the appropriate contacts at your utility. 

Watering Schedules

Outdoor water use accounts for more than 50% of water consumed by households. Share your allowable watering days and times with customers. The following images provide the standard watering schedules. 

The More you Know

Other activities listed in the Water Shortage Order include:

• Low-volume watering of plants and shrubs (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) is allowed any day and any time.
• 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.
• 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 fountains are limited to eight hours a day.

Additional Resources

For additional information about the Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order, visit the District’s website WaterMatters.org/Restrictions. 

The District will be posting an assortment of materials about the water restrictions on our social media channels between now and July 1. Be sure your utility is following us on social media to stay connected and reshare information with your customers. 

You can also reach out to Melissa.Gulvin@WaterMatters.org if you're interested in additional graphics for disseminating this information.