July 2026
Q: Why are the summer months the best time for outdoor water conservation?
A: Florida typically sees increased rainfall now through September. When it’s raining daily, give your irrigation system a break. Yards need no more than ½ to ¾ inch of water every two to three days during the summer months. If your lawn has received enough water from rainfall, turn off your irrigation system, and turn it back on when needed.
Q: When should you water your lawn?
A: All residents remain under one-day-per-week watering restrictions with strict watering hours, due to the Modified Phase III Water Shortage order enacted in March and extended in June. Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, watering hours are reduced to 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. 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 through Oct. 1, 2026. The simplest way to determine if your yard needs water is to look for these visual clues: Grass blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of your yard. Grass blades appear blue-gray. Grass blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes after walking on it. If your yard is showing signs that it needs water, check your local forecast to see if rain is on the way.
Q: When is the best time of day to water your lawn?
A: Follow the time of day specified by your local water restrictions. Current watering hours are 12:01 a.m. to 4 a.m. or 8 p.m. to 11:59 p.m. This is a good rule of thumb to reduce evaporation from the sun.
Q: How can I be sure my yard has received enough water?
A: Use a rain gauge to determine how much rain your yard has received. If you have a rain sensor, make sure that it is working properly.
Q: Any other tips on making the most of the rainy season?
A: It’s important to make sure gutter downspouts are directed into landscaped areas or your lawn. Installing a rain barrel also is a great way to capture excess rainwater during the summer months. For more information on how to install a rain barrel, visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/rain-barrels.