District Water Restrictions

Modified Phase II Water Shortage Restrictions

Always refer to your city or county regulations first.

Effective Date and Areas

• 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.

Lawn Watering Days and Times

• 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

• 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

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

Fountains, Car Washing and Pressure Washing

• 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).

Other Restrictions