State Declares Phase 1 Water Shortage as Drought Deepens in Manatee County

State water officials are urging Manatee County residents to cut back on water use as a worsening drought continues to strain Southwest Florida’s resources. The Southwest Florida Water Management District announced this week that the region is 13 inches below its average annual rainfall, prompting the declaration of a Phase 1 Water Shortage.

The order, which targets “wasteful and unnecessary” water use, applies to Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Hardee, Hillsborough, and Pinellas counties. Restrictions take effect on December 1 and will remain in place through July 1 unless extended.

As conditions grow more severe, officials warn of elevated risks of wildfires, water shortages, and tighter limits on lawn irrigation and other outdoor uses. While Phase 1 rules represent the least restrictive tier, authorities emphasize that residents can help prevent stricter measures by conserving water now.

Outdoor use remains one of the biggest contributors to system strain. More than half of household water consumption occurs outside the home, and the district is urging residents to follow all local irrigation schedules.

Manatee County Watering Rules

In both unincorporated Manatee County and the City of Bradenton, irrigation is restricted to two days per week:

• Even-numbered addresses (0, 2, 4, 6, 8): Thursday and/or Sunday

• Odd-numbered addresses (1, 3, 5, 7, 9): Wednesday and/or Saturday

• Properties without addresses: Tuesday and/or Friday

Florida law allows fines of up to $15,000 for violations.

Manatee County also bans several activities considered wasteful during a shortage, including:

• Hand-watering a lawn on a restricted day or more than once per day

• Using a hose to clean driveways or other hard surfaces when sweeping would suffice

• Spraying down buildings or structures to remove debris that can be cleared with dry methods

• Allowing leaks from broken sprinkler heads, outdoor faucets, or malfunctioning irrigation systems to continue after receiving notice from the Manatee County Utilities Department

Southwest Florida’s Drought Intensifies

Manatee and Sarasota counties are currently classified in a “moderate drought,” the second of five levels tracked by NOAA. According to the latest data, 2025 ranks as the 39th driest year on record for Manatee County, with nearly four inches less rainfall than average. Sarasota County is experiencing a similarly dry year, falling more than three inches below typical levels.

Impact on Water Supply

Regional drinking water sources—including aquifers, rivers, and lakes—are running below normal levels and are expected to decline further as the dry season progresses, according to SWFWMD. Officials say continued conservation will be essential to maintaining an adequate supply.

Residents can stay updated on watering rules and drought conditions through county and water district websites as the region navigates the months ahead.