The Southwest Florida Water Management District Governing Board has voted to declare a Modified Phase II “Severe” Water Shortage due to dry conditions throughout the region, which requires all residents, including those on private wells, in the cities and counties listed below to follow one-day-per-week watering restrictions.

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 from Feb. 8 through July 1.

The SWFMD region received below average rainfall during its summer rainy season and currently has a 13-inch regional rainfall deficit compared to the average 12-month total. In addition, water levels in the SWFMD’s water resources, such as aquifers, rivers and lakes, are continuing to decline and many are below normal. Public water supplies in the Tampa Bay area are lower than expected at this time of year.

Outdoor water use accounts for more than 50 percent of water consumed by households and residents should know and follow their local watering restrictions.

Other restrictions listed in the Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order include:

  • Annual pressure washing or in preparation for painting and sealing is allowed.
  • No HOA or other entity shall enforce deed restrictions or other community standards requiring an increase in water use, including replacement of plant material to meet aesthetic standards or pressure washing.
  • Car washing at home (non-commercial) is only allowed on your lawn watering day.
  • Aesthetic fountains are limited to eight hours a day.
    The order also requires local utilities to review and implement procedures for enforcing water shortage restrictions, including reporting enforcement activity to SWFMD.

For additional information about the Modified Phase II Water Shortage Order, visit SWFMDs website WaterMatters.org/Restrictions. For water conserving tips, visit WaterMatters.org/Water101.