Effective Date and Areas
- The District’s Phase I Water Shortage Restrictions went into effect on Dec. 1, 2010, except where stricter measures have been imposed by local governments. The Phase I water shortage has been extended through February 29, 2012. Always refer to your local government or utility restriction guidelines first.
- Restrictions apply to all of Charlotte, Citrus, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk and Sumter counties; and portions of Lake and Levy counties. View map.
- The unincorporated parts of Pasco and Sarasota counties have local ordinances and are on one-day-per-week restrictions.
- The City of Ocala and unincorporated Marion County will continue to follow the St. Johns River Water Management District’s water restrictions; however, the City of Dunnellon and The Villages remain under the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s water restrictions.
Lawn Watering Schedule and Times
- Lawn watering is limited to twice per week.
- Lawn watering days and times are as follows unless your city or county has a different schedule or stricter hours in effect:
- Even addresses may water on Thursday and/or Sunday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
- Odd addresses may water on Wednesday and/or Saturday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
- Locations without a discernable address, such as rights-of-way and other common areas inside a subdivision, may water on Tuesday and/or Friday before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Irrigation Systems
- Under Phase I, 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.
Landscape Watering Schedule and Times
- Hand watering and micro-irrigation of plants (other than lawns) can be done on any day and at any time.
New Lawns and Plants
- New lawns and plants have a 30-30 establishment period, which allows any-day watering during the first 30 days.
- During the second 30 days, watering is allowed three days per week: even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday; odd-numbered addresses may water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Reclaimed Water
- Reclaimed water remains subject to voluntary watering hours, unless blended with another water source or restricted by the local government or utility.
Fountains, Car Washing and Pressure Washing
- There are no restrictions on fountains, car washing and pressure washing. However, the District asks that residents be as efficient as possible, such as using a shutoff nozzle on their hose so water isn’t wasted.
Utilities
- Water utilities and their local governments are expected to review and revise water restriction enforcement procedures, begin monthly enforcement reporting and communicate with customers about water restrictions and water conservation.
Always refer to your city or county regulations first.
The District allows local governments to impose special watering schedules.
Phase I Water Shortage
Fact Sheets
Tips for Sod Replacement
Contact Us
If you have additional water restriction questions or wish to report a possible violation, please contact us by calling our water restrictions hotline at 1-800-848-0499 (FL only) (personal assistance is available during business hours; off-hours uses an automated response system) or 1-800-836-0797 (FL only), ext. 2298; also by email at Water.Restrictions@
WaterMatters.org.
Mailing Address
Demand Management
SWFWMD
7601 U.S. Hwy. 301 N.
Tampa, FL 33637
A petition for variance 
from year-round water conservation measures or water shortage restrictions is available if an alternative irrigation plan is proposed. To confirm that a variance is needed, check with our staff during normal business hours at 1-800-848-0499 (FL only) or email Water.Restrictions
@WaterMatters.org.
