Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage Restrictions
Frequently Asked Questions (partial list)
Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD = "swifmud") www.swfwmd.state.fl.us
The City of Sarasota follows SWFWMD restrictions.
Q: What are the current water restrictions for the Southwest Florida Water Management District?
A: The District extended it’s Modified Phase III “Extreme” Water Shortage through Oct. 1, 2026. This continues one-day-per-week water shortage restrictions with strict watering hours 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.
Q: Why did the District declare a Modified Phase III Water Shortage?
A: The District received below average rainfall during its 2025 summer rainy season and at the time the Modified Phase III was declared, had a 13.7-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. The rainfall deficit for May 2026 was 11.4 inches. In addition, water levels in the District’s water resources, such as rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline and many are severely abnormal. Moreover, public water supplies are extremely low.
Q: When am I allowed to water my lawn?
A: 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 schedule: • If your address (house number) ends in... o ...0 or 1, water only on Monday o ...2 or 3, water only on Tuesday o ...4 or 5, water only on Wednesday o ...6 or 7, water only on Thursday o ...8 or 9*, water only on Friday o * and locations without a discernible address • 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. • Unless your city or county already has stricter hours in effect, properties one acre or larger may only water before 4 a.m. and after 8 p.m.
Q: What about my plants and shrubs?
A: Low-volume watering of plants and shrubs (micro-irrigation, soaker hoses, hand watering) is allowed any day but is limited to before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
Q: When was the last time the District declared a Phase III Water Shortage?
A: The last time the District declared a Phase III water shortage order was in May 2017.
Q: Can I replace my lawn and landscape?
A: Replacement of lawns and landscape is allowed, however, it’s best to wait until the summer rainy season in June. New plants and sod require a lot of water to establish and March, April and May are the driest months of the year. If you do decide to replace your lawn or landscape, new lawns and plants have a 60-day establishment period. On days 1-30, new lawns and plants may be watered any day of the week. During days 31-60, new lawns and plants may be watered three days during the week. The user must maintain a written schedule of establishment period watering. Even-numbered addresses may water on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Odd-numbered addresses may be watered on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Q: Do these restrictions apply to me if I’m on a private well?
A: Yes, the water shortage order requires all residents, including those on private wells, to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions.
Q: Do these restrictions apply to me if I use reclaimed water?
A: Reclaimed water is only subject to voluntary watering hours, unless restricted by the local government or utility.
Q: What happens if I receive a letter from my HOA that requires me to use water?
A: No HOA or other entity shall enforce deed restrictions or other community standards requiring an increase in potable or domestic well water use, including replacement of plant material to meet aesthetic standards or pressure washing (i.e., driveways).
Q: Why does the District restrict lawn watering versus other water uses?
A: Outdoor water use accounts for more than 50 percent of water consumed by households and residents should know and follow their local watering restrictions. Limiting lawn watering to one day per week can greatly reduce the strain on public water supply systems and the aquifers. In addition, you can reduce your outdoor water consumption by checking your irrigation system to ensure it’s working properly. This means testing and repairing broken pipes and leaks and fixing damaged or tilted sprinkler heads. You should also check your irrigation timer to ensure the settings are correct and the rain sensor is working properly in accordance with state law. For more water conserving tips, visit the District’s website at WaterMatters.org/Water101.
Q: How are the water restrictions enforced? Can I get a ticket?
A: Water utilities and other local enforcement officials must continue their enforcement efforts, including responding to citizen complaints and monitoring water use through patrols or customer records. Utilities and other local enforcement officials are to continue issuing citations first without issuing a warning.
Q: How can I report a potential water restriction violation?
A: Local utilities are responsible for reviewing and implementing procedures for enforcing water shortage restrictions. Any violations should be reported to the appropriate local utility.
Q: Can I still pressure wash?
A: Pressure washing in preparation for painting and sealing is allowed. Pressure washing of driveways, sidewalks and other impervious surfaces is allowed for necessary maintenance, such as to either maintain a warranty or remove mold, mildew and other potentially hazardous material that cannot be removed by mechanical means (such as a broom or leaf blower), and as a construction practice (such as cleaning a concrete surface prior to painting or sealing). Compliance with homeowner association or other aesthetic standards does not constitute necessary maintenance.
Q: Can I still wash my car?
A: Car washing at home (non-commercial) is only allowed on your lawn watering day and you must use a hose with a shutoff nozzle. Consider using a commercial car wash that recycles water. Most modern commercial car washes use advanced recycling systems and use less gallons of freshwater than washing your car at home. Car washing of fire trucks and other emergency vehicles is allowed.
Q: Can I still hold a charity car wash?
A: Car wash fundraisers held on behalf of non-profit organizations are prohibited, except for one-day events that were scheduled prior to the effective date of the Modified Phase III Water Shortage Order.
Q: Can I wash my boat?
A: Rinsing of boats and flushing of boat engines is allowed after each use when needed to remove salt water or to prevent the transportation of exotic plant or animal material.
Q: Are there restrictions on fountains?
A: Yes, fountains that are purely for aesthetic purposes are limited to four hours a day. The owner should select and post the operating hours.
Q: Are there restrictions on restaurants?
A: Yes, restaurants are required to only serve water upon request.
Q: Can I provide water to livestock?
A: Yes, water use that is necessary for the maintenance of livestock is allowed.