Southwest Florida Water Management District Declares Extreme Water Shortage, Tightens Restrictions Across Region
The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board has approved a Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage declaration amid worsening drought conditions across the region, triggering stricter water-use regulations for residents and businesses.
The order applies to a wide area, including Manatee County, Sarasota County, Hillsborough County, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Polk County, Hernando County, Citrus County, Hardee County, DeSoto County, Sumter County, as well as portions of Charlotte County, Highlands County, Lake County and select areas in Marion County. The restrictions are scheduled to remain in effect from April 3 through July 1, 2026.
Officials report the region is experiencing a 13.7-inch rainfall deficit, leading to declining water levels in aquifers, rivers and lakes. Public water supplies are significantly below normal for this time of year, prompting the need for immediate conservation measures.
Under the updated order, lawn irrigation is limited to one day per week, with watering only allowed during designated overnight hours: between 12:01 a.m. and 4 a.m. or between 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. Residents may choose only one of these time windows. Local governments with stricter watering rules will continue to enforce their own regulations.
Additional restrictions have been implemented to further reduce water consumption. Residential car washing is permitted only on designated lawn watering days and must be done using a hose equipped with a shutoff nozzle. Decorative fountains are limited to a maximum of four hours of operation per day, with operating times selected and posted by the property owner. Restaurants are now required to serve drinking water only upon customer request.
The declaration applies to all residents, including those using private wells, and reflects the severity of current drought conditions across the district’s service area.
Residents are encouraged to check with their local city or county government for specific watering schedules and to take additional steps to conserve water whenever possible as the region navigates ongoing dry conditions.
