Manatee County to Follow Modified Phase II Water Shortage Restrictions
One-Day-Per-Week Outdoor Watering in Effect Beginning February 8, 2026
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) Governing Board has declared a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to ongoing dry conditions across the region. As a result, all residents in Manatee County, including those on private wells, will be required to follow one-day-per-week outdoor watering restrictions beginning February 8, 2026, through July 1, 2026.
The declaration applies 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 Lee County.
The District reported below-average rainfall during the 2025 summer rainy season and a current regional rainfall deficit of approximately 13 inches compared to the 12-month average. Water levels in aquifers, rivers, lakes, and regional public water supplies continue to decline and are below normal for this time of year.
Because outdoor irrigation can account for more than 50 percent of household water use, residents should carefully follow their local watering schedules. In Manatee County, the standard one-day-per-week schedule is based on street address:
Addresses ending in 0 or 1: Monday
Addresses ending in 2 or 3: Tuesday
Addresses ending in 4 or 5: Wednesday
Addresses ending in 6 or 7: Thursday
Addresses ending in 8 or 9, and locations without a discernible address: Friday
Unless stricter local hours are in effect:
Properties under two acres may water only before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Properties two acres or larger may water only before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.
Low-volume irrigation (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, and hand watering) is allowed any day and time.
Additional provisions of the Modified Phase II Order include:
Homeowners associations and similar entities may not require increased water use for landscape appearance, plant replacement, or pressure washing.
Residential car washing is allowed only on the assigned watering day.
Aesthetic fountains are limited to eight hours of operation per day.
Pressure washing is allowed once per year or when preparing surfaces for painting or sealing.
Manatee County Utilities, in coordination with Code Enforcement, will enforce the water shortage restrictions. The following penalty structure will apply:
1st violation – Warning
2nd violation – $100 fine
3rd violation – $250 fine
4th and subsequent violations – $500 fine
The County is coordinating with Code Enforcement staff to ensure consistent enforcement of the Modified Phase II provisions.
The order also directs local utilities to report enforcement activity to the Southwest Florida Water Management District and continue coordination with regional water supply partners, including Tampa Bay Water and the Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority.
For full details on watering restrictions, visit mymanatee.org/waterrestrictions.
For water-saving tips and conservation resources, visit WaterMatters.org/Water101.
For more information about Manatee County Government, visit mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @ManateeGov.