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The Southwest Florida Water Management District’s (District) Governing Board voted March 24 to declare a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage due to ongoing drought conditions throughout the region. All residents, including those on private wells, are to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions with new hours in effect.
Beginning April 3, watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect. Properties less than one acre in size may only use one of these windows.
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 April 3, 2026, through July 1, 2026.
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.
Water utilities must implement Phase III water conservation efforts, such as customer education about the current water shortage and increased enforcement efforts. Please see requirements below.
Ensure Safe Water Supply
- Plan to supplement or replace primary drinking water sources.
- Coordinate with regional water suppliers and District staff if emergency orders are needed.
Enforce Water Use Rules
- Implement procedures to enforce water shortage restrictions.
- Respond to public complaints and District referrals.
Monitor High-Use Areas
- Focus on areas with high water-use or repeat violations.
- Use nighttime patrols (at least once per week) or automated meter technology to identify extra lawn watering.
Issue Citations Promptly
- Starting 14 days after the order takes effect, issue citations first without warnings unless the violation cannot be confirmed.
Report Monthly to the District
- Send enforcement data by the 10th of each month.
- The District provides an online form to simplify reporting. Access the form here.
Support Conservation Efforts
- Educate customers about the water shortage and ways to conserve water.
Communicate Clearly
- Respond to inquiries from the District and citizens regarding line flushing and disinfection.
- Report violations involving Water Use Permit holders.
- Notify the District within 24 hours of major system changes or sudden supply loss.
Outdoor water use accounts for more than 50% of water consumed by households. Share your allowable watering days and new restricted times with customers. The following images provide the standard watering schedules.
 
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